Ava Adams
IVN intern
I.V. Wellness Resources has been a beacon of hope and support for seniors and disabled people in the Illinois Valley since 2016. This nonprofit organization has dedicated itself to providing essential services that enhance the lives of seniors, promoting independence, dignity and connection. IVWR offers a range of services tailored to meet the needs of local seniors, from providing a resource list of vetted workers that includes caregiving, housekeeping and handy people to a volunteer program that helps seniors with transportation to the grocery store or to help maintain their homes and live comfortably. Additionally, IVWR provides financial aid resources for medical travel and a weather assistance program that provides air purifiers, air coolers and heaters.
IVWR Programs Director Laura Mancuso said that her inspiration for the nonprofit work came when she was a nursing student and realized she would rather work with people to stay out of the hospital than treat them after they are admitted. As a result she switched her major in college to community health promotion.
In an interview Mancuso said, “I started my career long ago working in nursing homes and hospitals and now have a passion for helping people find the resources they need to stay healthy in their own homes.” Throughout her career, Mancuso realized her passion was to help local older adults and people with disabilities to not feel so isolated in their community. When being interviewed, Mancuso spoke of her great-grandmother, and how spending time with her inspired her to work with seniors. “I have always had an affection for seniors. It started with my own great-grandmother Greenlee when I was a child. She used to dress me up as an adult so I could drive her golf cart down the highway in Sun City, Arizona.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of IVWR is the opportunity for volunteers to form meaningful connections with the seniors they serve. By sharing experiences, skills and time, volunteers not only gain valuable experience but also foster lasting relationships.
IVWR also shines a light on senior-focused resources and tips through the “Senior Spotlight” a section in the Illinois Valley News that has been provided by IVWR in every newspaper edition since 2016. (That means more than 400 articles!) Most of the wellness articles have been written by IVWR board member Pat Jenkins, MSN, who worked as a nurse for more than 40 years. This valuable resource equips seniors and their families with health advice and information, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with knowledge about self-care. As IVWR continues to grow and evolve, their commitment to serving seniors remains unwavering.
During the last year, IVWR gathered surveys to find out what resources older adults needed help with to be safe and healthy. IVWR staff offered a $100 gift card raffle for participating in the survey and at the Labor Day Festival in Jubilee Park, a winner was selected. I.V. Senior Center volunteer India Moss was the lucky winner!
(Photo by Laura Mancuso for the Illinois Valley News)
With plans to expand services and reach more seniors, IVWR is in need of more loyal volunteers willing to assist their older friends. Join the IVWR community today and help serve your community! If you would like more information you can call 541-592-9781 or 458-592-0012 and you can email ivwellnessresources@gmail.com. To volunteer or donate go to ivwellnessresources.org – every gesture counts in empowering seniors to thrive!
(Editor’s note: Coming soon – the history of the nonprofit organization I.V. Wellness Resources formerly I.V. Medical Center will be written by IVWR board members.)