Great River Faith in Action has been around for 14 years. Based in Becker, their mission is to keep the elderly in their homes and out of the nursing home for as long as it is safely possible by matching volunteers with clients who need help. It can be a ride to the doctor's office or the grocery store, minor home repairs, yard work or light housekeeping. Faith in Action serves communities in Sherburne County and parts of Wright County.
Another main focus of FIA is companionship for the elderly who may have lost a spouse and just want to have a conversation with someone or play cards.
Additionally, the Furniture 4 Families program, part of FIA, gives new or lightly used furniture to families in need. Over half of the families are made up of single mothers leaving abusive relationships and starting a new life and just need a little assistance. They contact FIA and then a case worker goes out to determine the family’s needs and verify that the home is a safe environment. For instance, case workers will examine the home to see if the client needs grab bars installed or loose rugs that need to be moved in order to prevent a tripping hazard.
The needs are then passed along to a volunteer coordinator who finds the right volunteer(s) to assist and also ensures compatibility with the family. Most clients are referred from local churches or county agencies, and volunteers come to us from local church groups and the general public. The church groups are especially crucial for group projects.
FIA just wrapped up their fall cleanup session. Churches, youth groups and Boy Scouts troops go out and rake yards for clients.
Fall and Spring yard cleanup is the busiest time of year for projects. Winter is the organization’s most challenging part of the year, since some of the volunteers are snow birds and are away for the season, which creates a shortage of volunteers for all the current requests.
There are numerous companies that support FIA through gala and golf fundraising events, but their ongoing business partners are Pellco Machine, Becker Furniture World, Darter Plastics and Slumberland. There are also numerous area churches that provide support either financially or with volunteers.
Darin Bohlken, executive director at Great River Faith in Action, says his favorite part of being involved with this organization is to see the friendships the staff and volunteers create with the clients.
“You really become part of the family in most cases!” he stated.
The organization does not charge clients anything for the services provided. Funding comes from businesses, churches, private grants, fundraisers and the general public. Right now, they are in great need of volunteers. They do not require a minimum number of hours to be volunteers. If you can only supply one ride a month, they would be grateful. If a couple would like to do light housekeeping at one home, they would also appreciate it. If a church or business group would like to do one yard in the Spring, that would be a huge help!
If readers have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Great River Faith in Action by phone 763-263-4277 or through email at info@grfia.org.
