LAKEPORT >> People Services, Inc. (PSI) vans and trucks are regularly spotted on Lake County’s roadways. Used to transport work crews around the lake, the vehicles sporting the business’ motto, “Dedicated to Dignity, Committed to Choice,” are merely hints of PSI’s involvement in communities throughout the county.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “community” as “an interacting population of various kinds of individuals in a common location.”
For more than 40 years, PSI has been part of the community. What may be surprising is the extent of involvement. PSI’s programs have grown, and Lake County’s residents benefit.
On its website, www.peopleservices.org, PSI is described as a “not for profit private organization that provides a very wide range of services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities.” A closer look at PSI reveals, however, that individuals receiving the “services and supports” are in turn contributing to the communities.
Led by Executive Director Ilene Dumont, an nine-member board of directors, and dedicated staff members, PSI has expanded to offer numerous programs that include employment and volunteerism opportunities for disabled adults.
“PSI provides an environment where work at all levels is valued,” said PSI Board member Cindy Ustrud. “It’s an organization with a meaningful mission and ethical practices. People are encouraged to make decisions that support independence and self-respect.”
Ustrud sees one of her duties as a board member as helping educate the community about “the vast array of opportunities for community members to access the services that our consumers provide.” These include landscape maintenance, janitorial services, thrift shops, and several volunteer services that help elderly and convalescing individuals.
“The more the people we serve volunteer, the more they want to volunteer,” PSI program director Vicki Cole stated. “They truly enjoy giving back to others.”
Cole, who has been with People Services for more than 20 years, and Megan Dorman, site coordinator at PSI’s facility on 11th Street in Lakeport, oversee programs in which PSI consumers volunteer to deliver meals to seniors, clean up the Lucerne Senior Center, assist a couple days a week at the Lakeport library, help out at the Evergreen Lakeport Healthcare skilled nursing facility, and collect trash and debris on a portion of Lakeshore Boulevard in conjunction with the Adopt a Highway program.
Reflecting on the role of consumers in delivering Meals on Wheels meals, Cole said, “The seniors count on us because they have a hard time getting to the store. They also rely on the social aspect; they enjoy the face-to-face visits with our consumers. They tell stories, share pictures, present their animals, tell jokes of the day, and share news of the community. The seniors know our consumers by name, and the seniors enjoy hearing about what their visitors are involved in.”
Dorman described one incident in which consumers delivering meals came to the rescue of one of the recipients. Upon arrival at a senior’s home, and finding no response at the door which was slightly ajar, the PSI crew located the senior on her bedroom floor. She was unable to move. The volunteers were able to contact authorities and get her help, said Dorman.
“Our consumers’ interaction with the seniors is individual. They get to know people and develop a real rapport,” said Cole.
Consumers often volunteer their help with specific projects like the food baskets distribution during holiday time and fundraising activities in the community, Cole and Dorman noted.
Dana Lewis, program director for PSI’s Konocti LifeStyles, reiterated the value of consumers’ volunteerism. “One of the greatest things about this is the opportunity for inclusion in the community.”
LifeStyles participants have planted and maintained flower boxes at the Lake County Fairgrounds and assisted the homeless, community members affected by the fires in the south county, and the Tango Mike project. Other consumers make bookmarks for the children’s sections of the libraries.
“Volunteering is a significant part of our clients’ lives and fulfills the need most of us have to give back to our community,” said Dumont. “For the people of PSI, volunteering also offers the opportunity to gain and experience work skills. Volunteering has been the avenue to learn what making a commitment to a task means, how to follow instructions and directions from a supervisor, how to log time and keep records of what you do, and learn that customer service is a top priority in being a good volunteer.”
Ustrud shares the sentiments. “I am extremely proud to be a representative of People Services. I believe our organization is headed by the most dedicated individuals who believe that all people have the right to dignity and choice in their everyday lives,” she said, adding, “We provide an atmosphere where the people we serve can achieve their goals despite any barriers they may experience.”
“In many ways, People Services touches everyone,” noted Board member Mike Adams at one of the recent directors’ meetings. Having been involved for 30 years, Adams said he sees PSI’s impact as “circular and (a) mutual benefit.” He explained that what he has observed over the years is that in so many ways staff, families and community serve consumers who in turn provide services and assistance back into the community via PSI programs. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
For more information about People Services, visit the organization’s website: www.peopleservices.org.
