Others need help with newsletters , photography , grant writing and related needs .
Rush is at the historic homes at least one day a week . She sometimes leads tours . Other times , she is cleaning or doing repairs . The post is an ideal fit since she has an interest in history , as well as a background in design and construction .
Vicars works with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program ( VITA ), which provides free tax assistance to people who make $ 52,000 or less , people with disabilities , senior citizens , people with limited English , and others who need assistance in preparing their tax returns . He also works with the Tax Counseling for the Elderly ( TCE ) program , which focuses on helping senior citizens who need support completing and filing their income taxes .
He also helps with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program ( SHIP ). The program is designed to educate and assist Medicare-eligible individuals , their families and caregivers . He also works to ensure that people find the healthcare option that best meets their needs .
Vicars said his efforts are a comfortable fit with his previous work as a business professor , specializing in human resources , including benefits support . He also did extensive consulting work .
“ I really like the idea of helping people save money ,” he explained . “ It can mean a lot to someone .”
When he was working as a volunteer in Illinois , Vicars said he worked with a team that helped a lady whose husband needed residential care for Alzheimer ’ s . Their insurance initially refused to pay . The team worked to address the issue and the woman ultimately saved more than $ 50,000 .
“ We knew we made a difference there , for sure ,” Vicars recalled . “ She sent us a box of pears for Christmas every year for several years after that . She was just so appreciative .”
Vicars said he is confident that his services in both income tax preparation and insurance have saved people money .
“ Most people do save money when they receive support ,” he said .
Vicars has to be re-certified with the federal government each year for both programs , and is responsible for keeping current on changes in policy . He said he likes staying current and also maintaining his computer skills .
“ It is not easy , but it makes me feel like I am still a part of things – still contributing ,” he said . “ I like knowing the latest information .”
Vicars also appreciates the structure that volunteering gives to his schedule .
“ I have a schedule and somewhere I need to be ,” he said . “ I like that .” Rush shared a similar sentiment . “ I volunteer at least one day a week , but honestly it tends to be more than that most weeks ,” she said , laughing . “ I like to stay busy . My family knows that about me . When I told them I was going to retire , they didn ’ t believe me . I guess … they were right . I have to stay busy .”
Rush said she thinks most seniors would benefit from connecting with others through volunteering .
“ Some people are nervous at first , especially if they have never done it before ,” she said . “ But I think most people really do benefit from knowing they are giving back . It ’ s a chance to connect with other people and really understand your purpose . When we retire , we have to really think about that . Why are we here ? God always has another purpose for us .” T
“ I volunteer at least one day a week , but honestly it tends to be more than that most weeks . I like to stay busy . My family knows that about me . When I told them I was going to retire , they didn ’ t believe me . I guess … they were right . I have to stay busy .”
Fonda Rush www . meridianstar . com
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