GREENFIELD — LifePath, in its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate the risk to the vulnerable populations it serves, is seeking volunteer community partners.
According to a LifePath press release, the nonprofit, which serves all of Franklin County and Athol, Petersham, Royalston and Phillipston, recognizes the unique challenges it faces in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as: its staff and volunteers needing to step away from their duties; Meals on Wheels recipients declining meal delivery out of fear of the virus entering their home; and in-home care consumers voicing their concerns about how they will continue to live independently if they find themselves or those who support them needing to be quarantined.
“We take our responsibility seriously to do everything possible to protect the health and well-being of those we serve,” said LifePath’s Executive Director Barbara Bodzin. “That means planning and advocating as best we can, through our own infrastructure, and reaching out to professional partners and the community at large. It also means training staff and volunteers to keep themselves and those with whom they interact healthy and safe, communicating with our consumers and the community, being a resource, securing support to do our work, and making sure we are on top of any related developments.”
In the press release, the nonprofit calls on the community for the following:
■Apply to be a backup volunteer to cover routes and shifts of volunteers affected by the virus (self or family). These roles include: Meals on Wheels drivers, grocery delivery, transportation to a medical appointment, etc.
■Consider becoming a personal care attendant. LifePath expects to see a decline in front-line in-home care providers resulting from the effects of the virus on the local community.
■Take on the responsibility of checking on the well-being of an older adult in your neighborhood, especially if you believe they receive support in their homes.
■Get involved with your local Village program to provide assistance to a neighbor who has a specific household need.
■Step up to create and activate community-based systems, made of informal efforts meant to sustain local communities through a difficult time.
In a time when revenue streams are at risk of being disrupted, LifePath also invites residents to donate to support its programs.
To sign up for or inquire about any of LifePath’s programs, contact the Information and Caregiver Resource Center at 413-773-5555, ext. 1230 or email info@lifepathma.org.