The important role of volunteers is a long-standing tradition for United HomeCare (UHC), a home health care organization which was born of the United Way in 1974. Since becoming an independent organization in 1979, United HomeCare has grown significantly in size and scope of services to become South Florida’s largest home health agency. And with our growth, so to have the opportunities for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of elderly and disabled adults in the community.
UHC volunteers fulfill many important needs for our clients. They are simply indispensable. Here are just some of the ways they contribute:
• Spending time at the side of a bedbound elder or calling them for reassurance
• Helping the elderly with minor repairs at home to make it safe and comfortable
• Shopping for groceries for a homebound individual or delivering needed medication
• Reading mail and books to a vision-impaired individual
• Providing a friendly ear to a lonely and isolated individual just discharged from a hospital
• Reassuring distant relatives that all is well
• Preparing holiday baskets for special delivery
• Assisting office staff in many areas
• Providing information to caregivers who visit UHC’s Caregiver Resource Center
In addition to the volunteers who work directly with our clients and caregivers, United HomeCare has benefited considerably from the work of volunteers who raise funds to help the agency provide services for those in need. Too many seniors in our community remain on waiting lists to gain access to government-funded programs. It is with the support of UHC fundraisers that we are able to help ease this burden.
United HomeCare is also very fortunate to have the counsel of a voluntary Board of Directors, consisting of respected business, industry and educational leaders who generously give of their time and expertise to shepherd our organization. Their ongoing guidance has contributed significantly to UHC’s growth and our ability to increase capacity to provide more services despite funding limitations.
As a private not-for-profit home health and community care organization, United HomeCare is dedicated to making people’s lives better with proven quality-of-life solutions delivered in the comfort of home settings. Our staff of approximately 650, in conjunction with some 120 volunteers, provides more than 17,000 hours of care each week to well over 5,000 clients across Miami-Dade County.
United HomeCare is truly grateful to our volunteers for their contributions to our organization and our community. Their support makes all the difference.
