This Task Force is rolling out a series of initiatives to provide practical help for UUCV members. The formal rollout took place at the UUniques potluck in September. The Task Force is in response to concerns about the needs of church members, especially those who are older and/or who live alone. The initiatives include the following five programs:
1. Life Crisis Form: For members who want the church to have information on file in case of an emergency, a Life Crisis Form can be completed online at the church website. This information will be secure, confidential and accessible only by Rev. Dana or her designated assistant. An optional hard copy will be kept in a locked file cabinet.
2. “File of Life:” A personal medical home file prepared for emergency first responders. It consists of a medical card with emergency contacts, insurance information, health problems, medications, allergies, and other relevant medical information in a magnetized red plastic pocket designed to be put on the outside of the refrigerator.
3. Skills Exchange Program: UUCV members have many skills that can be shared; computer knowledge, handyman services, tailoring skills, house and pet sitting. This program will promote the sharing with church members:
• Shared Skills Barter (no fee): members can trade skills through negotiation.
• Skills Exchange for fee: members can offer services to other members.
Interested church members can list their skills for barter or fee exchange on a bulletin board in Berg Hall.
4. “Buddy System:” Church members who live alone can have a “calling buddy” check in with them on a regular basis to ensure they are safe. Senior members, especially, may be vulnerable if they fall and are unable get up. A calling “buddy” who is unable to reach a member could ask someone who has a key to check on the person. The UUCV Buddy System will help match up mutual buddies who call each other or arrange for a volunteer to make regular calls to those wanting to be contacted.
5. “Warm Line:” A dedicated phone line for church members to leave a message for a non-emergency concern to discuss with a caring listener. A Pastoral Associate would return the call within 24 hours. A Pastoral Associate, in partnership with Rev. Dana, is a church member who responds to pastoral needs and provides a confidential, compassionate, and listening presence. The Warm Line is not meant to address emergency situations more appropriate for a 911 call.
Task Force members include Corine Barksdale, Kent Brinkmeyer, Susan Franzblau, Yukio Okano, and Sylvia and Duane Wikholm. Gudrun Eastham provided assistance for the Skills Exchange Program. Questions? Yukio Okano at 805/985-1485.