Celebrating 40 Years of VISTE’s Community Impact

“We are only here because this community cares enough to engage and to care for seniors that need a safety net.”

Imagine the encouraging power of a home-cooked meal delivered to the door of an elderly woman who is alone and whose family lives out-of-state. Or imagine the difference it makes when a senior citizen facing cancer has the security and companionship of a friendly face to offer rides to and from chemo treatments.

For the last 40 years, VISTE––locally known as Volunteers in Service to the Elderly––has stood in the gap to meet the great needs of our senior citizen community for residents 70 years and older.

Led by an incredible team of local volunteers, they have exceeded their mission “to enable elderly persons to remain safely and independently in their own homes.” Since 1983, this community-based non-profit has provided quality care services for elderly residents and their caregivers in the Polk County area.

President Steve Bissonnette said the organization’s longevity proves the power of a community that has consistently rallied behind it to support such an essential cause. 

“Our organization started as a grassroots initiative when the Director of Catholic Charities, Ed Kren, and 14 men stepped forward to provide transportation to the elderly in our community––serving around 30-35 seniors to take them to doctor’s appointments and grocery store shopping,” Bissonnette shares.

This one-of-a-kind organization was founded in and solely operates out of our beautiful Swan City. Currently serving over 4,000 seniors from 70-107 years of age, they now offer additional life-changing support, apart from transportation, including supplemental grocery boxes, hot meals, and contracted at-home based care for families needing professional assistance––all at no charge.

Through community fundraising and strategic partnerships with local food banks, churches and other nonprofits, VISTE has empowered many at-risk senior citizens with holistic programs so they can continue living in the comfort of their home.

“This 40th anniversary is not only significant for us but for our whole community,” Bissonnette said. “We are only here because this community cares enough to engage and to care for seniors that need a safety net.”

As a volunteer-driven organization, VISTE is always looking for people like you to step up and get involved. If you are ready to make a difference, sign up now to volunteer at viste.org.