Latrobe nonprofit marks 20 years serving needs of seniors
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Laurel Faith in Action has been matching older residents of eastern Westmoreland County with volunteer helpers for two decades, a service that has become more important than ever during the covid-19 pandemic.
“When covid closed down everything, our staff took our computers home,” said Amy McLendon, executive director of the Latrobe-based nonprofit. “We continued to make phone calls to bring assurance and comfort to about 500 individuals.”
When the pandemic temporarily disrupted the usual network for distributing meals to older and shut-in residents, the interfaith organization arranged for donations of food from local restaurants. “We delivered 50 meals per day for three weeks,” McLendon said.
The nonprofit also worked with Excela Health, helping area seniors schedule and get to more than 400 appointments for covid vaccinations offered by the local medical provider.
Last year, Laurel Faith in Action mobilized 287 volunteers, who collectively contributed more than 7,000 hours as they provided 6,638 free services to 337 recipients.
The nonprofit partners with local businesses, schools, churches and other organizations as it seeks to fill the gaps in services available to those 60 or older who live in Latrobe, Derry and Ligonier boroughs and Derry, Ligonier and Unity townships.
McLendon believes there are still more needs in the community that can be met. When city officials in Latrobe expressed concern that older residents might not be able to keep up with grass-cutting or other property maintenance tasks, she said her organization is looking to organize an Adopt-A-Grandparent program to supplement help that has been provided by teens with the local Adelphoi program for at-risk youth.
“We want to be able to reach a greater audience and let people know that we have volunteer opportunities for all ages,” McLendon said. “We are committed to making sure the elderly in our area are able to stay in their home with just that little bit of a hand-up.”
Earlier in May, about 65 people attended a “Roaring ’20s”-themed celebration at The Barn at Ligonier Valley. With the support of sponsors and donors, the event raised more than $7,500 toward services provided by Laurel Faith in Action, including transportation and shopping for groceries for recipients.
Students from the Valley School of Ligonier provided musical entertainment for those in attendance, including office staffer and food bank coordinator Sibby McLaughlin of Latrobe, who has served with Laurel Faith in Action for 14 years.
Since its founding in 2002, the nonprofit has provided nearly 141,000 service hours, valued at more than $4 million, to assist 1,655 recipients.
For more information, visit laurelfia.org or call 724-539-4357.