Will you chip in to support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation today?
Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!
Sandy Moy, vice president of the Northwest Neighbors Network (NNN) Board of Directors, has received the University of Washington’s Distinguished Retiree Excellence in Community Service Award. The award honors a University of Washington retiree for excellence in service post-retirement that exemplifies the university’s values with special distinction.
Moy is not only a founding volunteer of NNN, but also has been instrumental in shaping its mission, culture and long-term success through many years of dedicated board leadership, NNN said in a news release. Her work on the board has helped establish and sustain NNN as a vibrant, impactful nonprofit organization in South Snohomish County and North King County serving seniors and adults with disabilities, the organization said.
Moy not only serves on the board and runs a broad-reaching committee. Additionally, she is one of the top service providers, visiting members and driving them to appointments and shopping, as well as assisting with IT problems. She helps the Service Coordinator Team find matches for needed services, and she leads weekly mahjong groups, coffee gatherings and a monthly book club.
Moy’s service is fully uncompensated and independent of her former employment at the University, fulfilling the award’s requirement for post-retirement volunteer contribution.
“Sandy is truly the founding reason for all the good we do in our small part of the globe,” said Eileen Carter, Edmonds resident and board colleague. “Community needs remain huge as Northwest Neighbors Network lives out its promise of providing caring services. We need more people like Sandy – the connector who helps build communities.”
Moy said her goal is to spread the word to all who would like to volunteer. Even if people don’t want to be tied down to a particular day or time to volunteer, NNN can work with their schedule. Many of the provided services only takes an hour or two.
For more information on becoming a Northwest Neighbors Network volunteer, call 253-237-2848 or visit www.NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org to fill out an application.
To receive volunteer services from NNN, this information is important (from the NNN web site):
“Does it cost anything to become a member?
NNN is committed to making our services accessible to all. No one will be turned away based on inability to pay.
Recommended dues for those wishing to join as full-service members are $50/month for a household of one or two living at the same address. Recommended annual social membership dues are $120.00 per person. We will work with you to make a payment plan that fits your budget. Please contact us for more information.”
My Questions: 1) What does “inability to pay” mean? 2) I’m assuming that to receive volunteer services, the above information from the NNN website means that seniors or those with disabilities would be asked to pay, in principle, $50 a month. Is this correct? 3) What does “annual social membership” dues mean? ($120 per person).
In sun, I’m interested in the “mechanics” of how this program works, i.e. if one joins, paying $50 a month, how long does it take (approximately, more or less) to find the volunteer who can render a particular service? Does NNN have a significant “roster” (for lack of a better term) of volunteers ready and available?
Thank you.
Congrats to Sandy Moy for the prestigious award from UW! I have been a Volunteer with NNN for 2 and 1/2 yrs. (and Board member) and have found it easy to fit regular member services into my life of retirement. NNN is a much needed social service in all our communities, for aging adults and those with disabilities, allowing them to age well in their homes, and to thrive by getting out for social activities, to medical appt’s, have human contacts when isolated. Think “neighbors helping neighbors”- that’s the concept! After all, we’re all aging and will need some help some day. I want NNN to be there for me …I’m getting closer every day! If you’re thinking about volunteering, check out Northwest Neighbors Network, for more info see: http://www.northwestneighborsnetwork.org !