Mary Ornberg
The Safety Net program started in July. The program is based on a simple premise—a person who is alone (the Home Aloner) and wants the feeling of safety that comes with letting someone know they are okay by a text or phone call checks in daily or twice daily with a volunteer (the Safety Net person) who has agreed to be the contact. If the Safety Net person does not hear from the Home Aloner as expected, they will call. If no answer, the Safety Net person will go to the house and use the key or garage code provided by the Home Aloner to see if there is a problem. The Safety Net protocol procedures will then be followed.
We need more volunteers to be a Safety Net for a person who lives alone or is caring for another in the home. If you would feel more secure calling or texting daily to a person we will match you with, call Mary Ornberg at 469-878-0803 or Joyce Frey at 817-689-5398.
A testimonial from a “Home Aloner” in her own words:
“Here is what the Safety Net program means to me as a recent widow who lives alone. The phone calls at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to my Safety Net volunteer serve more than just checking to hear that I’m okay, safe, and haven’t fallen or gotten hurt or need help. It is a cheerful, caring human voice in a silent, alone house. Our connection uplifts and comforts me and encourages me to start the day living purposefully again. It is a much-needed reminder to get up and get moving on a daily schedule and not to sit alone in the house grieving. As a recent widow, I experience every day no husband of 65 years, no cooking for two, no more caregiving for five years, no more conversation, laughter and crying together, no more companionship and love or touch. It is all gone, except the house we so joyfully planned together 23 years ago at Robson Ranch. The Safety Net program not only serves to help keep residents safe, but also to help us to mend and give some direction to those of us struggling to recapture life again. Thank you for starting and implementing the Safety Net program at Robson Ranch, especially since this is a senior community with great need in our age bracket. With great appreciation and gratitude, love, and God’s blessing, Virg Talac.”
The next presentation will be on Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. in Room 104 at the CATC building. For information or to register for the program, contact Mary Ornberg at 469-878-0803 or Joyce Frey at 817-689-5398.