Down Memory Lane: Getting Started

Looking Back:  Faith in Action celebrates 15 years of service to  Bloomington/Normal 
 Getting Started
 
Thanks to the efforts of a group of parish nurses, a $25,000 grant was awarded to what would become Faith in Action of Bloomington-Normal.  Now what?  None of those nurses had the interest or background to run, let alone start, a new organization.  With the guidance of  PATH Director, Karen Zangerle, a search for a director began.  One candidate stood out immediately, Bobbi Hynes.  She had previously worked for Faith in Action of Danville.  Her enthusiasm for the program was contagious.  Her faith in the wonders that could be achieved gave strength and hope to this new program. With constant prayer, she set out to meet with all of the congregations who had signed letters of support for the FIA grant and shared the vision and the need for volunteers.  She promised that soon there would a transportation service for seniors to get them to their medical appointments.  Her prayers were answered.  Thanks to Second Presbyterian Church, Faith in Action had a donation of free office space in the old office building that sat on the corner of Prairie and Market (now it is a community garden).  Soon there was a group of volunteers offering to provide rides.  Another group of volunteers started working in the office so that Bobbi could work on the multitude of other duties that came with her part-time job.  Her husband Matt would say that she lived and breathed Faith in Action in those early days.  As the only employee of Faith in Action her duties were myriad! She did the assessments of new care receivers, the recruiting and training of volunteers, continued networking to recruit congregational supporters and even matched rides with volunteers.  As friendly visiting and grocery shopping programs were added she coordinated those programs until volunteer coordinators could be found. We are truly grateful to Bobbi Hynes who prayerfully launched Faith in Action.
Thank you, Bobbi Hynes!

Submitted by Sandy Holcomb, FIA Board of Directors