"Neighbors Helping Neighbors" - Dan Camenga - Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers

Sounds of Health

Executive Director of Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers (IVCG) Dan Camenga shares how their "neighbors helping neighbors" care model across a wide spectrum of programs, helps improve the wellbeing of seniors and elevates the quality of life in our region.

IVCG Programs Include:

Transportation Plus - Volunteer drivers provide personalized support to New Haven County Seniors going to and from medical appointments. Unlike most transportation options, we recognize the essential nature of personal relationships and engagement as critical factors that help seniors remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Mae's Closet - Access to high quality Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is essential for preserving dignity, remaining confident, and staying independent. Volunteers with the Mae's Closet program (a DBA of IVCG) works to ensure DME is available to all who need it.

Diapers for Dignity - For financially insecure seniors with living with incontinence it can be a struggle to feel comfortable. IVCG is proud to offer free products once a month to registered seniors in New Haven County living with this dual challenge. IVCG depends on product donations of unused, wrapped adult diapers, bed pads, wipes, etc.

Food Force - Groceries are delivered on a rotating basis to registered seniors in New Haven County. This includes a mix of non-perishables, fruits + vegetables, meat, and bread. We also have a pickup program called "Groceries at the Garden". For Thanksgiving, we are a lead partner in "Thanksgiving for All" with over 1,000 meals being delivered on Thanksgiving Day.

CT Garden Collaborative - Social isolation is one of our most significant public health challenges. Through the Connecticut Garden Collaborative (a DBA of IVCG) we advance holistic wellness of individuals and communities through the awareness of CT based public gardens. Furthermore, the Cultivating Connections program provides opportunities for participating seniors to co-create "garden inspired" art together.

Experience Corps - The AARP Foundation Experience Corps program conducts literacy coaching for K-3rd graders thanks to generous volunteer support from older Americans (50 years and over). The New Haven area program is transitioning to IVCG in 2024 where it will continue advancing dignity, hope, and opportunity.

To learn more about volunteering with IVCG and their services, visit their website,
https://www.carenewhaven.org/
email: [e-mail]
ph: [phone]
fb: InterfaithVolunteers
fb: MaesClosetDME
fb: ConnecticutPublicGardens
ig: interfaithvolunteercaregivers
1253 Whitney Ave
Hamden, CT 06517

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven
Producer: Jason Carubia
Music: Rob Hames

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

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