CSI has 18 dedicated members that visit 35 to 40 senior citizens in three local facilities on a weekly basis. These visits may last thirty minutes to several hours. They form friendships through book studies, a men’s social group, birthday celebrations, luncheons, card games and by simply being present. Their gift of time makes all the difference!

After almost three years in operation the Visitation Ministry continues to grow and serve lonely senior friends. Currently, the ministry has about twenty-five volunteers including several families that serve together. During a typical week fifty to sixty seniors are visited either in a group setting or individually.  Below is a small sample of how the ministry maintains friendship:

• Weekly book club at McKinney Rehab. Center
• Individual home visits.
• Monthly men’s luncheon at Mustang Creek with patriotic themes
• Weekly phone calls.
• Hospital visits.
• Greeting cards.
• Work closely with the bus and homebound ministries.
• Valentine sacks with toiletries collected by the St. Jude youth will be delivered on or before Feb. 14.

On a personal note we are starting to see many of our senior friends’ age mentally and physically. Some have been moved to total care facilities while others just seem frail.  Sadly several of our friends have passed away. This is an unfortunate reality of this ministry that is always trying.

Volunteers are visiting the elderly and shut-ins at Victoria Gardens, McKinney Rehab., Loving Care Homes, Country Lane Apartments, Redbud House, The Belmont, Twin Creeks Rehabilitation Center, Autumn Leaf, Mustang Creek, and private homes.

Contact: Melissa McGrath