Renae Williams Armstrong
Aging True: RELIEF volunteer
Eight years ago, a friend of Renae Armstrong recommended that she check out Aging True for a volunteer opportunity, knowing that Armstrong had a strong desire to serve others. Thanks to that friend, Aging True gained a very special volunteer who has been making a difference ever since her first day “on the job.”
“My volunteering and all the other involvement I do with Aging True provides me an opportunity to consistently share in a mission that I truly believe in,” Armstrong said. “It brings me purpose and so much happiness to my life. My greatness is my service.”
Armstrong, who volunteers in Aging True’s Respite for Elders Living In Everyday Families (RELIEF) program, is a former teacher and guidance counselor. She gives caregivers a much-needed break from the round-the-clock care they must provide for their loved ones. Armstrong will often do little things with patients like singing songs or just taking walks, but those little things make a big difference and have helped her grow a special bond with those she helps.
“Our volunteers help caregivers to help themselves,” said Aging True’s Volunteer Coordinator Francine Castillo. “If a caregiver can’t take care of themselves, they can’t help care for their loved one. Renae goes above and beyond to help her patient and the caregiver. Whether it’s taking walks with her Alzheimer’s patient, playing games or just getting them up and moving, she goes that extra mile.”
