Helping those who need it most

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Editor's Note: As the Laboratory's 2004 United Way campaign continues through Nov. 14, the Daily Newsbulletin will periodically publish news stories about the Lab's campaign and United Way agencies. As of last Thursday, about $298,500 has been raised in pledges and donations in this year's campaign.

Teresa Martinez of Amigos del Valle, right, shares a moment during meal time with a senior citizen she is checking on. Photo courtesy of Amigos del Valle

Know someone who needs assistance but doesn't want to fight a lot of red tape? Amigos del Valle may be the answer. "Amigos del Valle, like other United Way agencies, is a place where those in need can go and not have to fight a lot of red tape," said Dennis Heffner, executive director of Amigos del Valle, one of 19 United Way-affiliated agencies in Los Alamos, Española and Santa Fe. "They only need to be members of the community and ask for help."

Located in Rio Arriba County, Amigos del Valle provides a variety of services for elderly residents in and around the county. Services range from transportation and in-home meal delivery to disability claims assistance, income assistance, exercise groups and arts and crafts.

Heffner said he is happy that Amigos del Valle and the United Way are available to help those in need. He recalled one client in particular who had an especially stressful experience before getting help.

"Imagine being 93 years old, having lived in your home for 75 years and then being told that you have to leave because you don't have indoor plumbing. Imagine being told you will be removed from your own home and put into a nursing home if you don't comply with the city rules. Imagine making $562 a month plus getting $13 in food stamps as your total income and knowing that the cost of hooking up city utilities will be $5,000," Heffner said.

But through Amigos de Valle, this elderly resident was able to remain in her own home with dignity and security. Amigos de Valle was able to help this elderly resident "acquire inside plumbing, a sewage system, a shower, a toilet and a sink for the first time," Heffner said. "Thanks to those who donate to the United Way this true story came out with a happy ending."

Heffner said that one of the benefits of being a United Way agency is that it gives agencies more freedom in addressing the needs of the senior clients it serves in the valley.

"[Amigos del Valle] helps give our seniors greater autonomy and a happier lifestyle," said Heffner.

Amigos del Valle is in need of volunteers, he said. The most current need for those who'd like to volunteer time to Amigos del Valle is for people to collect, split and deliver firewood. "Many of our seniors heat their homes and cook their meals using firewood," Heffner said. "So volunteers for this task are crucial." For more information about Amigos del Valle, contact Heffner at 505-753-4115. For more information about United Way and this year's campaign, click here.

Why give? One of the most frequently asked questions employees ask about the United Way giving campaign is "Why should I give to the United Way?" While the complete answer is complex, part of the answer can be found in the United Way mission, which is to increase the organized ability of people to care for one another. Through its network of about 1,400 community-based organizations, the United Way system is an effective and efficient way to assist anyone who needs help in the community by providing a safety net for everyone.