Querencia at Barton Creek Honors Volunteer from Faith in Action Caregivers

Jan. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- After he retired as president and CEO of an insurance company, Bill Martin decided he wanted to give back to his community. He now spends a great deal of his time serving seniors in his area through Faith in Action Caregivers. Because of this selfless act, Querencia at Barton Creek senior living community is recognizing Martin as the fourth recipient of the 2011 Querencia Salute to Seniors Award.  Janet Allen, executive director for Faith in Action Caregivers, nominated Martin for the honor.

“Bill is an activist, dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and helping them stay in their homes as long as possible,” said Allen.  “Bill was the driving force in opening a Southwest office of Faith in Action Caregivers and is the Faith in Action Caregivers-Southwest board president. Last year, Bill spent over 500 hours driving seniors to appointments, doing public relations, collaboration and committee work as well as fundraising. We are so fortunate to have him as a volunteer!”

The Querencia Salute to Seniors Award is presented quarterly to honor an individual who is making a difference in their community.  Qualified nominees are active adults age 62 and above who volunteer their time and talents to their communities and who also exemplify leadership, spirit, and citizenship.

“At Querencia, we are passionate about ensuring the quality of life of our residents, and it’s wonderful that Faith in Action Caregivers shares our passion,” said Leslie Dominguez, director of sales and marketing for Querencia at Barton Creek.  “Querencia is located in the area that the Southwest chapter of Faith in Action Caregivers serves, and we are so thankful to Mr. Martin for starting a chapter that serves so many deserving seniors in our area.”

After retiring from the professional realm, Martin starting researching ways to get involved in his community. He found the website volunteermatch.org and realized he was passionate about helping seniors, which led him to Faith in Action Caregivers. One day while in the office, the director asked if he’d be interested in starting a Southwest chapter, and he immediately agreed.

Martin was key in starting the Southwest chapter. He was on the original committee that set up documents, got a tax exemption number and laid the groundwork to start the new chapter. He also helped promote the program to clients and enlisted local churches and groups for support.

Today, Martin spends about 20 hours per week volunteering for Faith in Action Caregivers. In addition to serving as president of the board of directors, he’s also on the event planning committee. He also serves as a driver taking clients to doctors’ appointments, pharmacy pick ups and grocery story runs.

“The clientele we serve are the most delightful people in the world,” said Martin. “Every time I drive one of these folks, I hear about their amazing life stories. Most of them are well educated, have traveled the world, raised wonderful children and made their own contributions to society. Every time I spend time with these folks I come away feeling great.”

Martin, 69, also spends time volunteering for Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity. When he’s not serving his community, Martin enjoys spending time with his wife, children and two grandchildren.

Faith in Action Caregivers offers services to help older adults stay mobile, stay independent and improve their quality of life. They match seniors with qualified volunteers to provide transportation to grocery stores, errands and appointments. For more information visit: www.faithinactioncaregivers.org.

ABOUT QUERENCIA AT BARTON CREEK

Querencia at Barton Creek is a premier life care retirement resort located at Barton Creek Boulevard and Chalk Knoll Drive in Austin, Texas, less than a mile from Barton Creek Resort & Club.  The 400,000-square-foot retirement resort features 167 independent living residences, including 10 villas, on 38 acres.  Residences are available in one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 830 square feet to more than 2,200 square feet.  The Plaza at Querencia features assisted living apartment homes in one- and two-bedroom designs, memory support suites, private nursing rooms for long-term care, and Medicare-certified private suites for short-term rehabilitation.

Querencia at Barton Creek is 501(c)3 not-for-profit retirement community sponsored by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a Texas-based nonprofit organization that sponsors sister communities Edgemere in Dallas, The Buckingham in Houston, Mirador in Corpus Christi, and The Stayton at Museum Way in Fort Worth.  For information, visit www.QuerenciaBartonCreek.com, or call (512) 410-2429.