Perhaps you have health problems and live alone. Perhaps you have become ill or disabled in some way, and need a meal or a ride to the doctor’s. Perhaps you don’t live alone, but you live with your ailing spouse, for whom you are a full time caregiver. The day soon comes when you realize that you need help to keep on going. What are you going to do?

In Cambria there are many people eager to help. You might start with the friendly neighbors who live in all parts of this town, who will respond to your request for help, or even call you to see how you are doing. You might call C.A.N. (Cambria Anonymous Neighbors), a coalition of volunteers who help in myriad ways (taking you to the doctor‘s, driving you to ongoing medical treatments, or providing needed medical equipment are just some of the things C.A.N. does). Or, if you are a member of St. Paul’s Church, you might call St. Paul’s Helpers.

St. Paul’s Helpers is made up of a group of 35 parishioners who give rides, food, and visits to people who are living alone, or caring for a loved one on a full-time basis. Without these volunteers, this program would be impossible. Together, these volunteers provide a caring safety net for people needing a little help.

A monthly Coordinator supervises the efforts of the Helpers, trying to make sure that needs are met. Early in each week, the Coordinator calls people who need help, asking how things are going and what might be needed this week. (St. Paul’s Helpers have found that a brief phone call from a familiar voice often makes it easier for people to ask for the help they truly need.) Sometimes, nothing is needed - but a phone call from a caring person has made a difference. Often, a meal, a ride, or a visit is needed - and then the Coordinator calls one of the volunteers to provide help.

Do you know someone who needs help. (It might be you.) St. Paul's Helpers are ready to respond.

If you - or someone you know - need help, what should you do? Call or email St. Paul’s Office.