Pictured, from left are Sue Scavo, Kathy Marshall and Emma West. (Photo provided)

LAKE PLACID – On May 16, 2019 Kathy Marshall, Sue Scavo, and Emma West completed training to become Mercy Care for the Adirondacks Friendship Volunteers to assist their elder neighbors.

To illustrate how Mercy Care Friendship Volunteers make an impact in our community, Sr. Catherine Cummings, RSM, Ed.D., R.N., Director of Mercy Care’s Friendship Volunteer and Parish Nurse Programs, recalls a recent response from an elder Mercy Care assists:

“I just wanted to thank you for giving me a wonderful lady to help me with my outings, errands and whatever. She is just the most wonderful helper ever. Thank you so much for her!”

And one of Mercy Care’s Friendship Volunteers wrote, “I love the feeling of helping others and making a small difference in their lives. I enjoy my elders so much. Volunteering helps give me a sense of purpose in my retirement.”

The next Mercy Care Friendship Volunteer Training Program is scheduled for October 8 and October 15, 2019 in Saranac Lake. If you are interested in becoming a Mercy Care Friendship Volunteer or Parish Nurse or if you are an elder and need the services of a Mercy Care Volunteer, please call Sr. Catherine Cummings, RSM, Ed.D., R.N., Mercy Care’s Program Director at 518-523-5582 or contact her by e-mail at ccummings@adkmercy.org

Mercy Care for the Adirondacks is a mission sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy to enhance the fullness of life of elders. Mercy Care invites volunteers of all faiths to its Friendship Volunteer Program. Assistance is provided to elders of all faiths. Mercy Care gives mercy, friendship, and care on a non-denominational basis to elder neighbors aging in place.

There are no fees for Mercy Care’s services. Mercy Care is supported solely with charitable contributions and grants. The community itself supports Mercy Care.