I was so pleased with all the help I received from the three NEST volunteeres that responded to my different service request. Receiving a simple call from Patty was so comforting and welcomed. The help from Jerry regarding helping with my streaming service on TV was such a relief, he knew exactly what to do. Leslie and her husband helped mount a clock on a wall and move some other items in no time. They were most helpful and pleasant. I will be renewing my subscription for another year. This is such a great service you are providing for our community. Thank you!- Dororthy Malafronte 

Dorothy Malafronte
(November 2023)

About a year ago and due to health reasons, I moved to St. James from Minnesota. Unfortunately, my car did not come with me. After 62 years of driving, I was facing that long-dreaded day that I would no longer be a driver. Here I was in a new place with no self-transportation, no friends and no way to go shopping (heaven forbid!).

My kids have been great about getting me around, but they both work and scheduling is difficult.  Then along came St. James NEST and what a God send!  I am no longer house bound.  I am able to go to doctor appointments, the senior center, and other errands.  

The best of all of this is the wonderful drivers who donate their time to help those of us who no longer drive. I have enjoyed each and every one of them. I am so grateful and blessed to have this service available. A million thanks to all of you!!

Jan Sutton
(August 2022)

St. James NEST has been a valuable source of help to my husband and me during the past year. Chuck suffered a serious stroke in December 2020. Once he was back home from the hospital and rehab he needed to have someone present at all times for several months.  Due to SJNest volunteers who would stay with him when requested, I was able to leave the house allowing me to keep my appointments and/or run occasional errands.  Chuck has made great progress since then but is still not permitted to drive causing our needs to shift.  He currently needs to be driven to outpatient physical therapy twice a week, a weekly art lesson, and all medical and dental appointments. NEST volunteers have helped me out occasionally by transporting him to a few of these appointments provided my request is made 3 days in advance.

All the volunteers who have visited or transported him to appointments have been lovely, caring and very prompt and responsible.  

This is a wonderful and valuable organization, which provides a variety of services to fit the needs of its members.

My husband Allan and I moved to St. James in October 2015. He had Parkinson’s and I took care of him until he passed away in August 2018. In 2020 I read about St. James NEST on a Neighbor website. It sounded interesting as I certainly could use some help around the house (my husband used to do everything).

I met Valerie and filled out an application. Then Ellen deGroof took her place. She is amazing. She came to visit me and asked me what I needed. I couldn’t think of anything at that exact time except for the fact that I was very lonely and bored after a year of depression following Allan’s death and then Covid. So I suggested I would like to have someone play cards with me. In comes Marie Danco. We started playing games every other Monday for over a year.

Then I needed help being driven to the eye doctor during my cataract surgery, hanging pictures, setting up my Christmas tree, tech services, etc. I had hired a tech guy from St. James but he moved so when NEST introduced tech services, I was thrilled. I have already had them out here twice to help me with so many things. They are amazing.

St. James NEST has been the most wonderful group of kind hearted and caring individuals, whose only job is to help those that can’t do for themselves. I only wish it had been in existence when I was caring for my husband. I cannot tell you how many people to whom I have recommended NEST and they have joined.

It is with great pleasure that I HIGHLY recommend St. James Nest. They have been a Godsend to me.

Lynn Remick
(January 2022)

We have an organization in our community that has a slogan “Neighbors helping neighbors” and that is exactly what the volunteers in this organization do.  

Last year I needed follow-up medical attention after a fall.  I had been discharged from the hospital but wasn’t able to drive myself. I joined the ST James NEST and they were able to provide transportation to my appointments. If I had not found the SJ NEST, I would have had to hire a driver to take me to my appointments.

Several of the volunteers came to my home to discuss other services available. NEST volunteers helped with changing smoke detector batteries, replacing air filters, and removed boxes of documents for shredding at the Community Center. I also needed help troubleshooting my voicemail system and a volunteer was able to help with that.

Most recently, volunteers also talked with me about acquiring a Medical Alert System because of my fall. After my family helped me with the research, I did get a system and a volunteer installed the system in my home. At the same time, he connected my ALEXA, which I use every day.

Being a member of NEST gives me comfort to know that help is available when needed.

Gordon White, 
(February 2022)

My husband Bob and I both have mobility limitations and St. James NEST has been a big help in helping us keep up with home maintenance chores. We have used St. James NEST several times since we joined last year. We have had help with replacing a loose trim board on our deck, replacing weather stripping on our front door, changing smoke detector batteries, and most recently taking out and putting away Christmas decorations. 

I can’t say enough good things about the volunteers that came to help. My online requests were answered promptly. Everyone came right at the requested time and was so nice and friendly. This organization is another treasure in our community.

Anne Stenhouse with Bob (January 2022)

When I found out I needed to start dialysis, I wondered how I would get to the center in Southport three times a week. Someone suggested I contact the NEST. I did and I have been getting the rides I need from dependable and caring people.

My first awareness of NEST came from an article in Just Judy, and my thought was that I enjoy volunteering; it might be a good match for me. Little did I know that I would need to call on NEST in a very different way.

Returning home from completing the NEST volunteer training, I found my husband passed out on the floor. It was the beginning of a nightmare. We went to the hospital and found out he had water on the brain. Several months, six doctors, and innumerable tests and procedures later, we learned that his condition was incurable and would deteriorate.

Caring for him was more than a full-time job and would be for the rest of our lives. I needed help. But finding the right person for my husband was not easy. I asked NEST for help, and they kept trying new matches; NEST didn't give up. Now, NEST volunteers provide respite care and they take him to doctors’ appointments, which allows me a little time away from home, too, to run errands or have peaceful cup of coffee.

But the story doesn't end here. When I thought our lives were at last under control, taking care of Don, I fell and broke my right (dominant) wrist. Then, NEST really stepped in. Kathy and Keith Lance drove for me for a couple of months. They took me everywhere - to doctors appointments and shopping for food – a huge commitment of their time and energy, until I was able to take care of myself again.

Thanks to NEST, Don and I have survived a difficult time. And NEST volunteers continue to help Don. Special thanks goes to volunteer, Chris Siegler, who visits Don on a regular basis and who has become a companion and friend, in addition to transporting him to various appointments. St. James is so fortunate to have NEST, an organization of trained volunteers, who bring heart felt empathy to whatever they are asked to do.

Anne Marie 
(February 2022)