It’s been nearly a decade since Yvonne Baginski formulated Napa’s first peer-to-peer volunteer program to connect older adults in Napa County with the resources and services they needed, from caregivers to food deliveries and technical support. Not to mention medical and dental advocacy — at that time, Baginski was collecting donations of durable medical equipment on her front porch. Her efforts quickly grew into what today is known as Share the Care Napa Valley (STCNV), a 501(c)(3) organization led by one Executive Director, four supporting staff members, and ten volunteers who have supported over 3,000 elderly community members.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve our aging community, as it has always held a special place in my heart,” shared Heather Luna, executive director at STCNV. Luna added that her passion for volunteering began at the age of ten when she first volunteered at the Veterans’ Home. “I recall my mom being unsure of what to do with me outside of basketball season, but little did I know that her decision would profoundly impact my life.”
Luna pursued her dream job in sports after graduating with a master’s degree in sport management from the University of San Francisco in 2015, but in 2020, she returned to her hometown of Napa to take care of her father, who had a bout of medical emergencies that led to Luna quitting her job and dedicating herself to him as a full-time caregiver. “From being Hoyer lift-bound to gaining independence in a wheelchair and the ability to walk with a walker, my dad has been an inspiration to me and has enabled me to return to paid employment,” she shared.
Today, Luna champions STCNV’s mission to provide Napa County’s older adults and those who are disabled with resources for health, independence, and quality of life, through three programs.
The first is Yvonne’s Front Porch Donation Center, a nod to STCNV’s humble beginnings on Baginski’s porch. The donation center saves and redistributes durable medical equipment, incontinence items, and nutritional supplements to ensure they get into the hands of those who really need them. Since 2020, when the official storefront opened on South Coombs, there have been over 20,000 items donated.
The Stop Falls program assesses and helps those who have fallen or are at risk of falling by utilizing professional, licensed Occupational Therapists to determine clients’ needs to keep them safe and less fearful of falling in the comfort of their homes. Once the OT identifies risky areas in a client’s home, STCNV deploys a licensed installer to complete the installation of grab bars, ramps, transfer poles, or other supportive items. To date, Stop Falls has provided 102 home safety assessments, 78 home installations/modifications, and over 375 assistive devices.
Lastly, the Declutter program helps those who live in unsafe home environments or are battling extreme hoarding. STCNV assesses homes and offers many hours to eliminate debris, garbage, and unnecessary items alongside the client. Once the goals have been met, STCNV conducts a haul of unwanted items and, in most cases, a deep clean. There have been 46 cleanouts to date.
While Luna acknowledged how much the organization has grown, she realized how it’s also opened new opportunities to meet the increased needs of the aging community each year. As a result, they plan to expand offerings to include transportation, enhanced information services, and caregiver support to continue to serve those who depend on them.
STCNV does depend on the monetary support of community members, foundations, and local grants. However, other ways to get involved include volunteering and donating old vessels or attending seasonal events like the Donor Appreciation Anniversary event in July and Annual Appeal and Give!Guide. Looking forward, their first annual fundraiser Gala will be held as a Golden Gala in April 2024.
“Sometimes, we don’t understand why we’re dealt certain cards until we use them in powerful ways,” shared Luna on her personal experience. “STCNV was there for me when I needed all the help I could get, and I want to be there for anyone else who may require our assistance as well.”
