Volunteering is a very personal thing, and for some, like Felix and Donna Petrillo, finding balance in their retirement is important. Both Donna and Felix have been giving back to their community throughout their lives, so it is no surprise that volunteer service became a priority in their retirement.
When Donna and Felix moved from Pennsylvania, Donna wanted to find meaningful work. She ended up working for the Ak-Chin Native American Community on the Maricopa Indian Reservation, providing tutoring for children. Felix, a union pipe fitter, worked long hours at various locations throughout the valley. Along with their jobs and family, they always find time for volunteering.
After moving to Sun Lakes, Donna and Felix decided it was time to find new opportunities in their community. They became very involved with the activities department at the Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes and supported the memory care program, The Perfect Place. In 2017, Felix and Donna joined our volunteer team at Neighbors Who Care. Felix decided to join our Minor Repairs team, helping clients with little repairs around their homes. We are also grateful for his assistance with maintenance and repairs at our NWC office. Felix often tells us that he receives far more from this experience than he gives. Both he and Donna truly believe that to have a balanced life, it is essential to stay active and make time to help others in the community.
Donna Takes on a New Role:
This past summer, Donna decided to become more involved with Neighbors Who Care by taking on the role of Volunteer Friendly Visiting Coordinator. This new position was essential, as the program had grown to a level where we were struggling to meet the demand.
Donna’s responsibilities include meeting regularly with Bonnie Kosar, our Care Manager, to identify clients in need of a Friendly Visitor. She then takes her list of volunteers who have indicated their interest in being Friendly Visitors and reaches out to them to see if they are ready to begin this meaningful relationship with one of our clients. Donna also follows up with the volunteers to check on how things are going.
Receiving that important call from Donna is a win-win: you get to make a new friend while providing much-needed companionship to a senior in need.
What is Friendly Visiting?
Friendly Visiting is a program offered to our qualifying clients, where caring volunteers visit and support homebound seniors. These visits provide companionship and social interaction that may be lacking in their daily lives. By offering a listening ear, engaging in conversation, and participating in activities together, volunteers help to bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy to those they visit. Typically, volunteers meet with our Friendly Visiting clients once a week.
Learn more about Friendly Visits and sign up to join our volunteer team!
