• Link to X
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to LinkedIn
  • HOME
  • CALENDAR
  • LOG IN
United Way of Central Florida
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • Our Story
      • Our History
      • Our Mission
        • Strategic Plans
        • Impact Report
        • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
        • Financials and 990 Forms
      • Our People
        • Staff
        • Board
        • Highlands County Advisory Board
        • Impact Cabinet & Steering Teams
        • Resource Development Cabinet
    • News
      • In the News
      • Press Releases
      • Blog & Recent News
      • COVID-19 Response
      • Annual Celebration
      • Top Supporters
    • Contact Us
      • Get Connected
      • Email Us
      • Careers
  • Our Work
    • Initiatives
      • Early Childhood Education
      • Academic Achievement
      • Community Partnership School
      • Financial Stability
      • Health
        • Community Wellness
      • George W. Jenkins End Hunger
      • Basic Needs
    • Programs
      • Success By 6
        • Children’s Resource Center
          • Infant Massage
        • Born Learning
        • Master Teachers
        • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
        • Supervised Visitation
        • ReadingPals
      • Highlands County Services
      • Hardee County Services
      • ALICE
  • Get Involved
    • For Individuals
      • Give Now
      • Initiative Giving
      • Leadership
        • Tocqueville Society
        • Démocratie Society
        • Friends and Benefactors
        • Women United
        • Young Leaders Society
      • Volunteer
    • For Companies
      • Workplace Campaign
        • Corporate Support Guide
  • Find Help
    • Connect
      • Get Connected: 211
        • Live Chat
      • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    • Resources
      • Healthcare
      • Food Distribution Schedule
      • Free Tax Prep
      • Financial Planning Classes
      • Natural Disaster Resources & Recovery
      • COVID-19 Resources
  • Give Now
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

United Way and VISTE Serving Seniors during COVID-19

Few groups have been hit as hard by the COVID-19 pandemic as the elderly. Lakeland’s Volunteers in Service to the Elderly is working to make sure all of their clients are safe and prepared during this health crisis.

Steve Bissonnette, President of VISTE, said they have suspended a few of their services to focus efforts on the essentials, programs like transportation, hot meals, supplemental groceries, in-home care and emergency monitoring.

“We’ve been able to continue providing these services with reduced staffing and reduced volunteers,” Bissonnette said. “We’ve had to reengineer the delivery service to incorporate social distancing and other CDC guidelines.”

One such client is Eleanor Lusby, an 86-year-old widow who has lived alone in Lakeland for over 40 years. She has been a VISTE client since 2015.

Originally from Germany, Eleanor moved to the United States with her husband, a World War II veteran. Shortly after arriving to the states, her husband Jim passed away when she was 44.

Eleanor decided never to date or remarry. In fact, she came from the DC area to Florida alter he died in order to honor his desire to be near the water because of his love for sailing. She and Jim never had children and what is left of her family remains in Germany.

Proud and protective of her modest home, Eleanor may be small in stature and walks with a cane, but she doesn’t use just any cane. Her’s converts into a sword.

Eleanor is unique in every way, and definitely the type of person who strives to handle any challenges that come her way on her own.

But, realistically, there are still things she needs help with. Eleanor has many health issues including foot neuropathy, which prevents her from driving. Her wish is to drive “just one more time” before she has to give it up.

Recently, Eleanor’s heat went out and she had to sleep on the couch so she could be in the warmest part of the house. Fortunately, thanks to United Way of Central Florida donors, VISTE was able to send a repair crew to fix it.

VISTE volunteers also take Eleanor to doctor appointments, deliver food and offer friendship. Her Hot Meal driver, Sue, stops by on days she is not delivering to check on her, take her places and give her general help around the house.

Eleanor struggles with loneliness and isolation and shows signs of paranoia and dementia. She

often calls the VISTE front desk to ask for help with something that has already been addressed. Eleanor does not have family or close friends who can help her navigate these uncharted waters. In many ways, VISTE and United Way has become her extended family support network.

Due to the pandemic, social distancing guidelines have made in-person check-ins harder. Fortunately, we are part of a community with vast resources, committed volunteers and generous donors.

Thanks to Florida Southern College’s Guest Services for preparing hot meals and First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland for allowing the use of their kitchen, VISTE’s hot meal program is able to continue.

Bissonnette said VISTE has also expanded its use of the Phone Pals program. Volunteers are able to call home-bound clients, check in on them and offer reassurance.

“We’re very grateful for the community support,” Bissonnette said. “For our seniors, these are essential services all year round.”

Thank you for supporting United Way and helping people like Eleanor every day.

211 Logo
GET INVOLVED
DONATE
GET HELP

Our Mission

To inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.

Our Vision

To unite our community and empower everyone to achieve their full potential.

Contact Us

BY MAIL
PO Box 1357,
Highland City, FL 33846

BY PHONE
863.648.1500

VISIT US
5605 US Highway 98 S.
Lakeland, FL 33812

Stay Connected

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: United Way of Central Florida, 5605 US HWY 98 South, Lakeland, FL, 33812, http://www.uwcf.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Get Involved

About Us
Our Work
Give
Advocate
Volunteer
Find Help

“UWCF “UWCF “UWCF “UWCF

© Copyright - United Way of Central Florida | Privacy Policy | Social Media Disclaimer | Terms and Conditions | Anti-spam Policy |  Website Designed by: Maximize Digital Media
Link to: Sink or Float Link to: Sink or Float Sink or Float Link to: $15 Million in Grants Available for Polk County Nonprofits to Provide Economic Relief Link to: $15 Million in Grants Available for Polk County Nonprofits to Provide Economic Relief Downtown Bartown, Polk County Unites$15 Million in Grants Available for Polk County Nonprofits to Provide Economic...
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies