Helping Hands provides assistance for seniors

     By Tiffannie Bond
     View staff writer
      When Becky States picks up free toilet paper, paper towels, tissue and powered soap from James Seastrand Helping Hands of North Las Vegas, she also picks up extra bags for two other seniors.
      In her eyes, since she is benefitting from Helping Hands, she should help Helping Hands help others.
      "This is just my way of doing what I can when I can," States said.
      States' sense of assistance is the heart of the nonprofit organization -- volunteering, giving and accepting help.
      Helping Hands' primary goal is to make sure North Las Vegas seniors ages 60 and older have transportation to get to their medical appointments and complete their errands. The organization also provides friendly visits, respite care and durable medical equipment.
      When available, paper products are offered to any senior who needs them -- no matter where they live in the valley.
      Volunteers use their personal vehicles to escort approximately 13 clients to doctor's appointments and errands, equalling 30 to 35 visits per month. In return, the clients are asked to pay $1 to $5 to offset costs. If a client cannot pay, Helping Hands provides the service anyway.
      "(We provide) an escort. It's not just a drop-off and come back two hours later," said Mary Rodriguez, volunteer coordinator and office manager for Helping Hands. "When you have a senior who lives alone and doesn't have family, to have that contact is very important to them."
      For those with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's disease, it's more important to have a familiar volunteer stay with the client for the duration of the outing to ensure their safe return home.
      Connie Ivens, program director and volunteer, was getting ready to retire from Social Security Administration when she decided she wanted to use her free time and bilingual skills to serve the Hispanic community.
      "Our goal and target is to get out to the Hispanic community," said Rodriguez, Helping Hands' only paid employee.
      Said Ivens: "(North Las Vegas) is primarily a Spanish-speaking community. They do not really go out of their way to see what is available. We have to go to them."
      Helping Hands also helped Ivens see the other side of her previous career.
      "When I was working I referred (clients)," said Ivens. "Now, I am at the other end. I am able to provide services and referrals and take them by the hand, so to speak."
      Although Rodriguez and Ivens enjoy their office positions, they don't spend all their time inside. When they are needed, they provide the same services as their volunteers.
      "I would almost rather be out there with the clients than here in the office," Rodriguez said.
      Named for James Seastrand, former mayor and councilman for North Las Vegas who died in 1997, Helping Hands focuses on seniors, but the disabled -- including those suffering from cancer or confined to wheelchairs -- will not be turned away.
      When Marge Lotspeich and Pat Duncombe began Lend A Hand 10 years ago in Boulder City, they ultimately laid a foundation for Helping Hands. Joanne Wyman from the Division of Aging Services found the need for services in North Las Vegas, and along with Rodriguez began Helping Hands two years ago.
      Helping Hands will have an open house in its new office -- donated by Lake Mead Hospital -- at 2225 Civic Center Drive, Suite 240C, on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will be available to answer questions about services and volunteering.
      Those interested can call 649-7853. Spanish-speaking residents can call 649-7864.