Recently, a Care Receiver called to say how thankful she was for the 'young man' who helped them.  This Volunteer had returned the following day with a pan of brownies for breakfast, had shoveled snow around their front door and had brought some reading glasses for her to temporarily use while hers were being repaired.  This service was not assigned to the Volunteer by the FIA office.  They were simply 'voluntary acts of kindness' ...

She said, "You have the nicest people working for you!  He (the Volunteer) is the sweetest man!  It's better than getting a million dollars!"

~AZ, Hackensack

Another wonderful example of the the blessing of being a Volunteer:

"Here is my time ... for installation of an additional grab bar in the bathroom.  I spent more time than usual, but {the Care Receiver} & I started a conversation on what he did before he retired.  It was VERY interesting and you could see the sparkle in his eyes, and he had a smile on his face the whole conversation ... I enjoyed it and walked out with a smile on my face.  Thanks for the experience!"

                                                                                      ~Court, Longville

"Thank you!  I really appreciated the ride to Bemidji with Hazel - she is a good driver and very nice to be with."                                                         

~Jean, Walker

Some Volunteers & Clients form life-long friendships.  Following is one of the reasons Volunteering can be so rewarding:

"Our Elsye turned 100 on August 20th! ... What a blessing this has been to be able to help this woman."   

~Rich & Karen, Cass Lake

"Thank you very much!" "Mission Accomplished!" "First Rate!"               

~WW, Hackensack

"...Thank you very much - sure appreciate everything you have done for me in the past.  God loves you and I love you, too."

~LH, Walker

In response to our recent 'Independence Mailing Campaign', which headlines, "A neighbor's independence depends on you!", one gentleman crossed out "A neighbor's" and wrote instead, "My independence depends on you!"  This Cass County resident went on to say, "[You] helped us with moving.  Wish I could afford more $, but thank you for rescuing me."

~Michael, Walker

"Dear Friends, We thank you & Al for sharing your time & talents for us.  The three mini ramps are perfect and will be such a Godsend for our son-in-law, and any wheel chair, etc.  We, as retired ministers, use our home for many things.  God has blessed us with all of you.  Al is a great guy!"

~Gerald & Sue, Walker 

"A great big 'Thank You' goes out to the various groups that helped FIA with spring raking jobs.  Included in them were Pine River Riverview Church Youth, Longville Bible Chapel, Walker 'Youth of Hope' Lutheran & the Cass County Mentoring Program.  Also, a special 'Thank You', to the individuals who completed raking jobs for clients."

The FIA Staff 

One grateful client wrote, "... My lawn now looks wonderful.  They worked many hours.  How much I appreciate having it done."

"I am so thankful for my new {used} mattress set.  My pain level went from an '11' to a '7' last night, just because I had a good night's sleep!  I will treasure the handmade quilt, too.  Thanks to every one at Faith in Action, it feels like Christmas in April!"                      

                                                                                                    ~Dean, Walker

"I have found it very rewarding {to volunteer}.  I enjoy visiting with people, and it's quiet mission of service."                                                                                                 ~Curt, Pine River

"A big thank you all for all the help you have done for me.  You are a very good group."      

~Helen, Walker