A local man, unable to see his children on a regular basis due to a strained relationship with their mother, was heartbroken. He had no formal visitation rights, because he was not listed on their birth certificates as the father. At the Family Law Forum, legal volunteers gave him guidance for establishing paternity. He followed their advice and now enjoys regularly scheduled visits.

- Father & Child Resource Center

Council on Aging volunteers not only deliver hot, nutritious meals, they help prevent isolation and loneliness among the elderly. One client recently noted, “Before Meals on Wheels, if I talked at all in any given day, it was just to myself.” Now, she enjoys daily conversation with the person who delivers her meals. Moreover, the bond is often mutual–volunteers grow attached to their client friends.

- Council on Aging/Meals on Wheels

A school nurse learned that a 6th grader diagnosed with a heart murmur needed follow-up tests to qualify for physical activity. Born in Honduras, the girl was not eligible for health insurance, and her family was indigent. Using a CER funding voucher, the nurse arranged an office visit and diagnostic testing at a pediatric cardiology group that provided the girl with the necessary medical release.

- Children's Emergency Resources, Inc.

An elderly woman arrived at Caring Children, Clothing Children, distraught. She had just received custody of her granddaughter, who had special needs due to her mother’s drug addiction during pregnancy. The grandmother quit her job to care for the little girl and had limited resources. To her great relief, 4Cs was able supply the child with clothing, books and other necessary personal items.

- Caring Children, Clothing Children

An employed 44-year-old Banner Lake resident without health insurance came to VIM for high blood pressure, but was diagnosed with multiple medical issues. A mass in her breast led to surgery that uncovered a heart condition, now treated with medication. A nephrologist monitors her recently acquired renal insufficiency. Dealing with stressors at home, she receives emotional as well as medical support from VIM during this challenging time.

- Volunteers in Medicine

A 5-year-old client, sexually abused by his father at age two, was easily angered and his speech, difficult to understand. Sand-tray play therapy enabled the child to work through his anger and frustrations. A year later, he arrived for his appointments with a smile on his face, able to talk about his feelings, and his therapist could understand what he was saying.

- Tykes & Teens

Virginia, in her late 70s, was a Hospice patient. A counselor helped her process the progression of her disease, focusing on leaving her family in peace. Another counselor worked with Virginia’s husband Tom, helping him support and care for his wife of 50 years. When she died, he attended individual and group grief counseling sessions, and later became a volunteer in appreciation for the services they had received.

- Treasure Coast Hospice (now Treasure Coast Health)

A boy from a family with 14 children felt lost in the crowd, angry and out-of-control. After attending school for six months on scholarship, he became a respectful and functioning member of his family. His mother and father learned new parenting skills, applying consistent discipline. Now happy and well-adjusted, he excels in school, aspires to higher education, and dreams of a future career.

- Samaritan Center for Young Boys

Kurt, an elderly man in failing health, worked until he was physically unable and lost his job. His request for unemployment insurance was denied, and SSI benefits did not begin for several weeks. Verging on homelessness, he needed rent, food and utility assistance immediately. A friend paid his past-due rent, and the Salvation Army covered his electric bill and provided him with food, bridging the gap.

- Salvation Army