Are you a senior or do you know a senior who sometimes needs help with simple home repairs?

The Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley is starting up a “Handy Helper” program designed to assist seniors with basic home projects. Local volunteers will be able to install grab bars, hand rails, light fixtures, switches, do basic plumbing, or install hardware or smoke detectors to mention a few possibilities. Recipients will provide materials. There is no charge for labor but donations will be appreciated.

“We realize that there are adults in our area who live alone and require help with simple chores.  We are starting the ‘Handy Helper’ program to address this real need in our community,” said Teresa Bostic, executive director of the Shepherd’s Center.

Pat Izzo  is organizing the program and volunteers. “We will be looking for more people with home repair skills – you don’t need to be retired to participate, we appreciate volunteers of all ages,” said Izzo, who along with his wife, recently received the 2017 Community Service Award from the local Shepherd’s Center.

The Shepherd’s Center also sponsors Gwen’s Meals, delivering meals once a week to 80 recipients in Greenbrier County, a transportation program for elders needing rides to local appointments or shopping, and  friendly visits and phone calls to the homebound, all provided by volunteers. An adult series of classes, Adventures in Learning, happens twice yearly.

The Shepherd’s Center participates in the West Virginia Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) which provides tax credits for donations made to Shepherd’s Center. They have NIP credits available until the end of June.

To join the “Handy Helper” program, volunteer for one of the other services they offer, or for information, call 304-645-4196.

The Shepherd’s Center is an interfaith ministry dedicated to serving older adults in the community.