Banana Bob has become the new mascot for the Home Safety Check program of Forbes Trail Faith in Action.  Bob is a reminder to our community that slips and falls are the leading cause of injury in the Senior Citizen population. 

For the past six months, Forbes Trail Faith in Action has offered home safety checks to existing clients.  Specially trained teams of volunteers visit a home with the primary focus of preventing falls and fires.  The safety checklist includes an in-depth evaluation of every room of the home.  In the kitchen, for instance, are curtains kept away from the stove?  Are the dials on the stove readable?  Is baking soda available in case of a grease fire?  In the bathroom the volunteers evaluate whether the client has any problems getting in or out of the tub/shower.  Does the bath mat have non-skid backing?  Is a nightlight present?  Is there adequate lighting throughout the home?  Is the water heater leaking?  Do electrical cords appear to be in good condition?  Do throw rugs have a rubber backing and stay in place?  Are smoke alarms present?

The team of volunteers leaves behind a bag of safety items for the homeowner.  Those items include a bathmat, flashlight, baking soda, night light, batteries, and smoke alarm if needed.  If grab bars or an inside banister is recommended, the homeowner will be provided one free of charge, installed by a Pennsylvania licensed contractor. 

Beginning in September, this valuable program will be offered to anyone over 60 who lives in Murrysville, Export, or Delmont, regardless of whether they are a current client.

To take advantage of this free service, contact the Forbes Trail Faith in Action office at 724 327-3353.  Volunteers are always welcomed and will be trained to provide safety checks.  Interested persons should contact the office.  

Forbes Trail Faith in Action is a non-denominational program of the United Way, providing volunteer companionship and assistance to help seniors remain living in their homes and communities, independent and healthy.  

Many people never heard of Faith in Action nor do they know what the program does for the Senior Citizens living in the Murrysville, Export and Delmont area. So, I have opted to share a few of our stories.  We have a client who is 94 yrs old and no longer drives. Her brother, who is also in his 90's, was just admitted to a nursing home. Our client would love to visit him. She called the office asking for transportation. I am happy to report that we were able to arrange 2 transportation dates for her. It's wonderful to know that sister and brother will see each other this month.

Another story. Bob, one of our volunteers, went to a client's home this week to do a Safety check. While there our client asked if he could open a bedroom door that she was unable to open for sometime. Apparently, the client had locked the door. Not only did Bob unlock the door for her he also replaced a cracked toilet seat and performed a few more handy man tasks. The client  returned her Home Safety Check evaluation and as you can guess she gave us glowing marks. In fact she noted "Bob should be commended. I can't say a bad word about him!'

Thanks to all of our volunteers for their willingness to help!

Are we making a difference in a senior's life? I'll let you decide.

If you want to make a become a Forbes Trail Faith in Action volunteer please contact us.

Our office number is 724 327 3353 and our email is forbestrailfia@gmail.com

Recently, a FTFIA volunteer called our office.  A friend had called to say their family had an electronic lift chair and was willing to donate it. Not knowing anyone who could use the chair lift the volunteer called our office.  No one immediately came to mind so the office staff combed client records to see if there was a potential candidate for the chair. The search proofed to be fruitless. We were just about to call the family and tell them to contact another organization when another call came into the office.

 A ninety four year old client who was recuperating from a stroke called to say he was having difficulty maneuvering in his home.  Since his illness he had to rely on a walker and what was worse he needed assistance to get out of a chair. Would this be the impairment that would force him into a wheel chair or worse yet a nursing home?  Marian, the office assistant thought quickly and remembered the chair. After a number of phone calls she was able to secure the chair as well as the volunteers needed to move and set up the chair.

Today, we got a call from our client. He wanted us to know how much he loves his new chair. Not only has this chair lifted his body but his spirit as well!

Thanks to all who made a difference in this client's life.

After weeks of cold weather and mounds of snow I've heard many people asking, "Has anyone seen the sun lately?" Well, the sun is shining brightly in our local community thanks to the efforts of many dedicated FTFIA volunteers. During the month of February volunteers have been transporting clients to doctor visits, and running errands to make sure everyone had an ample supply of milk, bread and toilet paper.  Even a few sidewalks have been cleared!  Also, nine of the newly trained Home Safety Check volunteers completed 5 safety checks. Thanks to all of our volunteers for spreading sunshine around our community.

More rays of sunshine were seen on the 12^th and 13^th of February when the First United Methodist Church hosted an event called "Romance for a Song".  Participants were treated to a delicious meal and a medley of love songs sung by the local choir under the direction of Mary K Wellar.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the FTFIA program.   It took a lot of dedicated people to make this gala a success and this blog provides the perfect venue to that thank you  to the following: The First United Methodist  Church of Murrysville, Pastor Sam Dull, Mary K. Walley, choir director, the talented choir members and those who accompanied  them, the chefs and kitchen staff, Joanne the secretary,  Roberta Cook and the Elders from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter day Saints,  Pasqualino's Italian Eatery, Rosebuds,  Michele and Garth Clarke, Donna Perone  and all who attended the event---our sincere thanks to you!

Wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2010

The entire Forbes Trail Faith in Action family wants to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year.  It is our hope that you will continue to visit our web site to learn more about our program and the many events that are scheduled to take place this year.

Here's just an example of what to expect -

Free Home Safety Check s for senior citizens living in our program is slated to start in February.

Currently 9 FTFIA volunteers are scheduled to take the Home Safety Check course later this month.  The volunteers will learn how to perform an assessment that identifies potential fire and fall hazards within a home.   Our volunteers will also check existing smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly.  If the home owner doesn't have a smoke alarm the volunteer will install up to two alarms free of charge.

                If you know of any person over the age of 60 who would benefit from having a home safety check done or if you would like to become a Home Safety Check  Volunteer  please contact us at 724 327 33553

Romance for a Song - is a dinner concert that will take place on Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13. The event is being sponsored by the First United Methodist Church and proceeds will benefit the Forbes Trail Faith in Action program. 

Event information:

Dates:  Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13

Time: 6:30 pm

Location:  First United Methodist Church

                  Fellowship Hall

                  3916 Old William Penn Hwy, Murrysville, PA

Ticket prices:

For Dinner and entertainment:  $18.00 per adult and $6.00 for children under 12

You can also present your Valentine with a bouquet of flowers for just $20.00

For more information or to order tickets contact either FTFIA at 724 327 3353.