Local church helps woman maintain home

NEWTON — Sussex County resident Lorie Wojtecki has overwhelming medical issues which prevent her from maintaining her home as she would like. In addition, she must receive frequent dialysis treatments to support her failing kidneys. When Wojtecki learned that she could have treatments at home, she was intrigued by the opportunity; however the clutter and disrepair of her house prevented her from moving forward. Then she learned about the Helping Hands program offered by Christ Church Newton for income-eligible Sussex County residents who need assistance with household projects. Christ Church Pastoral Associate Terry Syberg met with Wojtecki and within a short period of time, a group of teens and adults from the parish swarmed to Wojtecki’s house and began work.
“I had heavy stuff that I couldn’t lift by myself. They moved out things that needed to be moved. They helped me get things I had a problem getting to. They brought rakes and did some yard work. They fixed the railing on the front porch,” explained Wojtecki, ticking off the list of issues tackled by the group from the church.
Christ Church Newton offers the Helping Hands program to income-eligible Sussex County residents who need assistance with household projects. Participants must be referred to the church by the Sussex County Division of Senior Services or other social service agencies. Once a resident has been selected, a group of teens and adults from the parish visit the home and assist with lawn work, rubbish removal, light repairs, painting, landscaping and other maintenance tasks.
During a typical Helping Hands visit, a team of parishioners labor around the home, while additional volunteers visit with the family members, offering referrals to parish organizations and local agencies which can offer more long-term assistance. Christ Church is a member of the Faith Community Health Partnership administered by Newton Medical Center. A parish nurse offers follow-up visits and referrals to community resources to those residents who have received assistance by the Helping Hands program.
Wojtecki is now able to receive her regular dialysis treatments in the comfort of her own home. “It’s been tremendous. They are a nice group of people, very organized, with a great sense of humor. It was a wonderful experience. It was fun day. I hadn’t expected it to be fun!”
“With our Helping Hands program we have the privilege of living our mission of being Christ’s presence in our community,” Syberg said. “This project enabled Lorie to stay in her home and improved her access to health care.”
Those who are interested in accessing the services provided by the Helping Hands program at Christ Church are encouraged to contact the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 or seniorservices@sussex.nj.us. Information about Christ Church Newton can be found at <URL destination="http://www.christchurchnewton.org. ">www.christchurchnewton.org.