Della Reese Puts Her 'Faith in Action' in Holiday Campaign to Connect Volunteers with Neighbors in Need; Photo Available 12/10/2003
From: Jo Heather Layton of Faith in Action, 336-713-4358, or Julie Moriarty, 202-338-8700 WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Dec. 10 -- The holiday season isn't always a time of cheer. For millions of Americans, the holidays can amplify feelings of loneliness or isolation, especially among older and disabled citizens who live alone in their community. That is why Faith in Action, a national network of free, interfaith, community-based services, is sending out its very own angel to recruit volunteers in communities across the country to help a neighbor in need. "The holidays can be a tough time for someone without family or friends close by," said television angel Della Reese, national spokesperson for Faith in Action and a singer, actress, performer, and minister -- perhaps best known for her role as "Tess" on the hit television series, Touched by an Angel. "Faith in Action connects volunteers to people right in their community who need their help and friendship." The public service announcement (PSA) campaign featuring Reese aims to connect volunteers to those in their communities who need help with basic daily tasks such as shopping, cooking, and housework, or simply need someone to stop by for a friendly visit. According to data from the Institute for Health Care Research and Policy at Georgetown University, more than 12 million Americans have serious long-term health conditions, which may force them to seek assistance with everyday activities in order to remain independent. Faith in Action addresses this need by working with care recipients of all ages including the elderly, children with disabilities, and those suffering from HIV/AIDS and mental illness. "We know that these folks desperately want to remain in their own homes and within their own communities," said Dr. Burton Reifler, national director of Faith in Action. "Faith in Action volunteers help their neighbors maintain their independence and provide them with much needed companionship." The public service announcement campaign will begin running in December. The television, radio, and print PSAs star Della Reese and feature a Faith in Action volunteer and care recipient. Reese urges potential volunteers to take the first step and find a Faith in Action program in their community. "A neighbor's independence depends on you," Reese intones in the PSAs. "Just a few hours of your time can make a world of difference," said Reese. "This holiday season, give the gift of independence and companionship to your neighbor in need. Volunteer with Faith in Action -- try it and find out how good it feels." Through the campaign, Faith in Action, a national program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, aims to increase awareness of its current programs and to increase the number of volunteers participating across the country. The Foundation began its interfaith caregiving initiative in 1984 by establishing 25 pilot sites and continued in 1993 with the introduction of Faith in Action. To date, the Foundation has committed more than $75 million to establish programs in communities throughout the United States. To find a Faith in Action program in your community, call toll free at (877) 324-8411 or visit the Web site at http://www.faithinaction.org. ------ Editor's note: High resolution, publication-ready photo(s) supporting this story available for free editorial use at: http://www.wirepix.com/newsphotos/USN Photo Caption: Della Reese and a Faith In Action volunteer and care recipient star in a public service campaign to recruit volunteers to combat loneliness and isolation among Americans with long-term health needs. Photo by Peter Gulla |