Member Highlight: Interlink Volunteer Caregivers

​“The passion I feel to help our seniors and disabled citizens connect with their volunteer for necessary assistance makes it easy to work for such an incredible organization because I have  so much love for them in my heart!” - Edie Schab, Executive Director of Interlink Volunteer Caregivers (IVC).

Schab has been in her position for six years and has seen the organization increase their services from four to all eight counties in the Magic and Wood River Valleys: Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls. IVC has also grown their collaborative relationships with government officials and other health organizations.

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“IVC's partnerships are at an all-time high which includes political relationships that we did not have in the past. Without being a governmental entity, our interaction with area county commissioners, city council members, and mayors has been beneficial in terms of IVC being included in discussions regarding issues within the cities or counties we serve”  says Schab.

By working with other organizations, IVC is able to extend services further while staying on budget. Schab states, “Partnerships with St. Luke’s, other medical service providers, and the Office on Aging helps IVC stretch each dollar to its maximum allowing us to assist more senior citizens in our community.”

IVC and its team of volunteers do a lot to assist their clients but the lack of affordable transportation options is a large battle for the rural areas they serve. “Although IVC provides other services such as building wheelchair ramps, help with yard work and housekeeping chores, simple home repairs as well as respite care and friendly visits to lonely homebound people the need for transportation assistance for low-income seniors and disabled people has grown exponentially.”

By offering these services, IVC is lessening the strain on the community’s valuable resources. “By removing the transportation barriers, people are able to remain independent while living in their homes… seniors are not forced to move into care facilities.”

​Schab looks to the future of the organization and how IVC can continue to expand their work, “I hope that IVC continues on its path of growth by helping as many seniors and disabled citizens as possible.” 

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