Stories of Giving from Pat and Bill Reed

Our Favorite Non-Profit: REAL Connections Our favorite non-profit organization is REAL Connections. It is a “virtual village” where members and volunteers provide services which help seniors remain in their homes as long as possible. The two most common reasons that prevent seniors from remaining independent are the loss of the ability to drive and increased isolation. REAL Connections meets these two needs by providing rides to doctor’s appointments, shopping, hair appointments, etc., and having social events such as monthly pot luck suppers, movie night, poker day, coffee klatch and occasional day excursions. In addition to rides, the volunteers also provide services such as light housekeeping, small home repairs, help with medications (from retired RNs), and help with computers (from a retired computer specialist). The members also have access to the village’s list of “Preferred Providers”, a list of vetted (background check) service providers who are known for quality service and honest dealings with customers. During the three years that Pat and I have volunteered for REAL Connections, we have had the personal satisfaction of helping others. In addition we have made some wonderful friends we would have never met if it were not for REAL Connections. REAL Connections is located at 141 Spring Street, Claremont, and serves the residents of Claremont, Upland, Alta Loma, La Verne, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, San Antonio Heights and San Dimas. Submitted by Pat and Bill Reed, Upland, CA