Every day, there are people who are unselfishly giving of themselves so that chronically ill, disables or dying people may stay in the comforts of their own home.
In an attempt to put a face to these unsung heroes, the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties (VNAIC) annually presents the John L. Treadway Loving Care awards. On March 12 during the organization’s ceremony to honor this year’s recipients, a story is told about an exceptional Victorville woman who demonstrated love, patience and devotion in providing care to someone.
Sandy Dubin has been a full time caregiver at Hesperia Senior Campus Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) for the past several years. Dubin was often saddened to see the lonely residents spending most of their hours in their rooms without a lot of things to interest them. She came up with an idea she called “Project Care” – a special program designed to help seniors remain mentally and socially active. The idea was to utilize the talents of the seniors to create beautiful jewelry, dolls, toys, blankets, and other gift items. Many of these handmade items would then be donated into the community where they would be given to needy families and children.
Some of the handmade handiwork is sold in the community with the proceeds coming back to Project Care to purchase materials for the seniors. There is a small “store” at the Hesperia Senior Campus for residents and visitors to make purchases and buy gifts! And the driving motivation behind this concept all comes down to her love and care for the seniors. It is about recognizing their gifts and talents, listening to their input, and valuing their opinions on how to grow and evolve Project Care.
The idea has been so popular, that the program has now expanded to other local RCFEs and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Although the idea is backed up with enthusiasm and moral support, little financial support is available – and Sandy continues to use her own personal funds to pay out-of-pocket expenses. Her husband has been very supportive because he knows how meaningful this work is to Sandy and to her seniors as well. Even their son, who works for the Disney Corporation, has been involved in helping his mom gain media coverage to expand recognition and financial support for Project Care.
For her dedication, her perseverance, her belief in a group of people that others may overlook, and for cvaluing their lives, the Victorville Hospice team of the VNAIC wss privileged to honor her with the John L. Treadway Loving Care award.
Description of the Award:
The John L. Treadway Loving Care Awards is the VNAIC’s way of recognizing some very special people for the extraordinary loving care they have given, a family member, friend, or their community. The awards have been named in recognition and memory of john L. Treadway’s many years of service to the VNAIC as a Board member. For many years, Mr. Treadway found delight and enjoyment as the presenter of these awards.
About the VNAIC Office in Victorville
The VNAIC office in Victorville is one of seven branch offices of the VNAIC in the Inland Empire providing home health and hospice services. The overall goal of the VNAIC is to assist people to live as independently as possible within their own home environment. Go Back |
