Testimonials

"Caring for Seniors is perhaps , the greatest responsibility we have. Those who have walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy “ ...John Hoever.

Nothing illustrates the essence of the above quotation better  than the activities carried out by  VFS (Volunteering For Seniors). It is highly commendable that  Pratima Penumarthy , the Founder & C.E.O  of  VFS has dedicated herself and  her organisation to the cause of the elderly section of the society which is in dire  need of support  in today’s busy world. The Senior Citizens spent most part of their active life in contributing to the growth of the society in general  and their own families and children in particular. It is the bounden duty of their children and the community to extend them a helping hand during the fag end of their life.

The VFS is rendering invaluable services  for the upliftment of the elders .  Under the inspiring and dynamic leadership of Pratima ,  they  conducted Seminars, Webinars, Conferences and  Talk-Shows  to create awareness about the needs of Senior Citizens  and provide guidance and to them  on various issues confronting them, be it  financial , medical,legal, emotional , psychological  etc. by bringing together the Community and the Experts from the related fields. They conducted a Talk- Show  specially  for  care givers to help them deal with the challenges in care giving including  long distance care giving to enable them to maintain balance , by carving out sometime for themselves and at the same time ensuring that their loved ones are safe , secure and healthy. 

Apart from providing technical help to the Seniors, the VFS organises meetings, discussions,  virtual sessions, pod-casts  etc  to help them with resources and advice on Health insurance,  healing benefits of Ayurveda ,  Acupuncture etc.The VFS has also undertaken  a number of programmes for the Senior Citizens like  taking them to libraries,  shops,  for doctor appointments , making friendly visits to their homes , helping them  declutter their homes etc . They also organise  Fun Sessions , Music Sessions and Art Workshops to entertain the seniors , to keep their minds occupied and to ensure that they do not feel lonely. They also collected  real life  stories about inspiring elders for publishing in their Golden Ager Story Book. To conclude, 

I express my deep appreciation  for  the untiring efforts that are being made by Pratima & VFS  to help the Senior Citizens to take care of themselves , to live in peace and harmony  in their twilight years and to leave this world with dignity when the time comes. This is an ongoing process and Pratima  is an ongoing source of inspiration with her remarkable vision, unwavering dedication and unending enthusiasm . Under her able  guidance  may the  VFS grow from strength to strength in realising their life mission and achieve great success in all their future endeavors.

The citation award was presented to VFS from Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, Ms. Sabina Matos. VFS and our volunteers are highly grateful to Mr. Robert B. Lancia and the Lieutenant Governor for recognizing our contribution and the ongoing work to uplift the senior (aged) New Englanders, to connect them with resources, and to build community-based systems to support them.  VFS will continue to work hard in this direction, contributing to the welfare of our seniors, and strive to make a difference with our seniors.