CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly in Ventura County presented the Norm Weitzel Award at the Evening of Gratitude on May 19 for 2020, 2021 and 2022 to Volunteers Keith York, Carol Boatner and Louise Dunlap in memory of her husband, Jesse Dunlap.
Keith York started volunteering with CAREGIVERS in 1984 and still volunteers to this day, having served in every capacity from Board to Advisory to Honorary. Each year, he donates roses for at least 50 seniors on Valentine’s Day–some of whom have never had a Valentine delivered.
Carol Boatner volunteered with CAREGIVERS for the first 20 years before she joined the staff, helping to pilot one of the original programs that launched more than 1,000 volunteer caregiving organizations throughout the nation. See nvcnetwork.org
Louise Dunlap champions Jesse Dunlap’s legacy with CAREGIVERS to this day. His service began after he retired from the United States Air Force and stepped up as an Assembly Delegate for the Senior Legislature. Jesse was a huge advocate for seniors back when the Silver Tsunami was just a theory. He knew what was ahead and he brought his advocacy and his helping hands to CAREGIVERS, and Louise has continued that support year after year.
Lori Franco, Karen Jensen, Ann Romero and Ginny Camarillo serve as the scholarship selection committee for student volunteers in CAREGIVERS’ Building Bridges Intergenerational Program. Student Engagement Coordinator, Lori Franco, has rebuilt this program using Adult Team Leaders who supervise 2-3 high school students for one-hour visits to do household chores throughout Ventura County.
Recently, CAREGIVERS forged new partnerships with ARC and Cole Vocational Services giving seniors a total of 45 home visits per month, a 225% in service. Adult Team Leaders are needed throughout the County. Scholarship recipient Maria Bernal was not present.
