Florence’s Good Neighbor Program to connect residents in need with volunteers who can help

By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter

The city of Florence has announced the beginning of a new program in the city designed to connect residents to other residents who want use their talents to help others.

Kind of like one big family helping each other.

Human Services Administrator Katie James proposed to the Florence Council a Good Neighbor program whereby she helps gather together volunteers who are willing and able to help others. Then she will put out the word to senior citizens and residents who might have had illness or injury, who just can’t do repairs, or lawn work, or things that they used to be able to do, but can’t anymore.

“The program is designed to support residents who need assistance with routine outdoor tasks, like mowing the grass, shoveling snow, raking leaves, or cleaning the gutters,” James said. “This initiative is particularly focused on helping elderly, disabled or physically unable residents in trying to maintain their yards with dignity.”

She said there are three objectives with this program. The first is to provide essential assistance, the second is to promote community engagement, and the third is to organize efficient matching.

The program is designed to foster a greater sense of community by building connections among neighbors, by including a more supportive environment, and by encouraging volunteerism.

For residents who might need help, they will sign up through James’ office either in person or by downloading a QR code which will spell out how to sign up, providing information as to what tasks they need help with, and why they are unable to accomplish these tasks; for instance, if they just had surgery, or they have cancer and are undergoing treatment which leaves them weak, or they are elderly and don’t have strength anymore. James said she will verify their eligibility for the program, and then have conversations with the people, attempting to discern if there are other tasks that might be needed as well.

As for volunteers, they will also sign up at the city, noting their availability and the locations they would like to work in, as well as tasks they would prefer doing.

“I will then match residents and volunteers together for the task and their availability, ensuring that it is a smooth transition,” James explained. “This Good Neighbor program matters because it helps residents maintain their homes, and strengthens the bonds within the community.”

She said that they have several groups who reach out to volunteer, but they haven’t had any jobs to accomplish, so they wanted to initiate this program to organize the tasks and the volunteers and connect them to make a difference.

Council member Jenna Kemper stated that she loves the program, and asked if James was going to visit places like the Senior Center, or churches, places where senior citizens might go so she can reach residents who need the help.

James said that first they want to assemble a cadre of volunteers, and then they will go looking for the residents in need, so that the jobs will be able to be tackled on a timely basis. She said they will put out information on social media first, and then visit the places frequented by seniors.

“Sports teams and groups will be able to sign up, but the most important thing is having tasks for them to do,” said James.

Council member Mel Carroll said he thought it was a great idea, and he was looking forward to seeing residents who really are in need of help get that assistance, and he was eager to see the numbers of incidents where the volunteers and the people in need come together.