Marketing Director for the Voluntary Action Center (VAC), Cami Loving, spoke about their services to seniors, those with disabilities, and people with special transportation needs during this week’s Rotary meeting. Loving grew up on a farm in rural LaSalle County near Leonora. She said that early on she developed an interest in helping non-profits and also a passion for fitness through running. Her original work history led her to various assignments at the Kishwaukee YMCA until joining VAC after the pandemic. She is a volunteer member of the Sycamore Park District Foundation board. She resides in Sycamore with her husband and young son.
VAC was formed fifty years ago and has expanded beyond DeKalb County. It currently offers Meals on Wheels in DeKalb, LaSalle, Putnam, and Bureau Counties. Sycamore Rotarians volunteer to deliver meals on a local route in Sycamore. More than 300 meals are prepared daily in the main DeKalb County kitchen at Bethany and Peace roads, with another 100 prepared in Sandwich. The meals are available for both short term and extended term durations to help seniors, those with disabilities, and others who may be recovering from an injury or illness. Besides the home delivery of meals, VAC provides service to senior gathering sites in these counties and also the DeKalb County Jail.
The VAC transportation system is composed of both regular as “needed routes.” Regular routes cover rural Dekalb and all of Kendall counties. Prearranged dial-a-ride services are available for the elderly and disabled and can also be scheduled by members of the general public.
Loving said VAC is reviewing a need for expanded services from the many baby boomers reaching retirement age. She noted that by 2029, all people from the baby boom generation will qualify for retirement. She also noted inconsistencies with federal and state reimbursements for food assistance. For example, 92% of meal costs in LaSalle County are considered reimbursable, but only 45% of costs are covered in DeKalb County. Complete details of VAC services and ways to donate may be found at their website: www.vacdk.com