Her official title is chairman of the building fund committee, but Helen Vergin seems to serve several roles for the Davisburg-based Kaleidoscope Foundation.
She works in the office, answers the phone and does a lot of behind the scenes work for the non-profit organization, and she’s always ready to talk about her passion ? helping senior citizens and the disabled enjoy a more active lifestyle.
The group organized about 15 years ago, with fund-raisers such as an annual greens sale and a golf tournament funding their ongoing programs. Now, there are new activities to raise funds for new activities for those not usually served by the traditional agencies.
‘We found there was a tremendous need for recreational programs for people with disabilities,? she said.
When the group first organized, they used facilities such as Davisburg Elementary School and local churches. Vergin bought the building where the Kaleidoscope office is now located, and volunteers refurbished the lower level (including lowering the floor to meet code) to serve meals.
Now, they use the Hart Community Center, but the group believes there is still a wider need, so they have set their sights on a brand new building, hoping to raise $3 million with a 10-year plan.
‘We cannot grow,? she said. ‘We do not have the days [at the Hart Center] because other people use it. We want to have daily programs, not just weekly programs. We have so many ideas.?
The foundation serves a seven-township area. While some townships have their own senior citizens centers (and the foundation’s new building will not be a ‘senior center?), it seems the foundation is filling a gap for the disabled.
‘There’s nothing out there for them,? Vergin said, except for some local church programs. ‘We’re there for them.?
Volunteerism is nothing new for Vergin, who has been involved in various activities for more than 40 years. She helped start the Davisburg Christmas Craft Fest in the 1980s, with a food coop and other things to help folks facing financial challenges.
‘We were doing all these things that the neighbors needed,? she said.
That led to involvement with projects such as Neighbor to Neighbor and the local sesquicentennial. In 1986, a group decided to launch the foundation (incorporated in 1988).
Vergin is happy to do what some people are hesitant to do ? ask for money.
‘I’ve always been in sales,? she said, noting her involvement with projects such as Avon and Amway. ‘I had at least four products and went house to house. If I didn’t sell at least one of those things, I thought I wasn’t doing very well. If you ask somebody, they can only do two things. I don’t mind asking.?
The money is for a purpose, of course, and that’s Vergin’s focus. She loves talking about future programs such as the ‘Movable Feast,? a series of dinners in various restaurants throughout the seven township area. (The Clarkston Burger King will host the event on Saturday, Nov. 15.)
In addition to raising money for the foundation, the circulation of the event throughout the community is intended to increase the group’s visibility throughout the area.
The foundation also plans to offer computer classes for seniors at the Springfield Township Library. In December will come participation in the Clarkston Christmas Parade and the 10th annual New Year’s Eve party for the ‘Monday Seniors? group. In 2004, the group plans an evening quilting class, an exercise group and lessons in bridge, euchre and pinochle in the Davisburg office.
The group has officially registered as a 501(3)c nonprofit organization.
‘Before we were a loose organization,? she said, and the board is keeping busy with budget meetings to make sure all the necessary paperwork is in place.
‘We’re all volunteers,? Vergin said, except for one paid cook who prepares dinners, and she is quick to praise her fellow board members and people like Dr. James O’Neill, whose family is credited with the ‘Movable Feast? idea.
The office window displays the label, ‘temporary headquarters,? and the foundation has raised about $40,000 after almost two years into the campaign.
‘We’re here to stay,? she said. ‘We’re not going to give up.?
At 77, Vergin seems young at heart in many ways, but she knows there is a need to recruit ‘younger seniors? and other volunteers.
‘We’re not even touching the top of the iceberg,? she said. ‘There are so many people with disabilities, and there’s nothing done for them.?
In addition, Vergin believes there are too many senior citizens ‘sitting at home doing nothing. We need the old fashioned missionary getting out to those people and finding a way to get them out of their homes.?
Vergin taught school for seven years before marrying a dairy farmer and moving to Davisburg 47 years ago. Her motivation for service comes from a very personal story of receiving service.
‘It goes back to when I was in school. I had a group of Christian friends who sent me to college. They saw what I couldn’t see that was in me. This is just a payback, because they showed what Christianity is all about. I just feel I have to give back to my community.?
For more information about the Kaleidoscope Foundation, call (248) 634-9100.