CVLI: Green Team Partners with L.O.S.T

Written by Elyse Platt, 2018-19 CVLI Green Team Member

CVLI participants have the opportunity to truly become more integrated into their community through training / educational sessions, networking, and service projects. As a participant of CVLI this year and on the Green Team, our team decided to partnered with the Autism Society of Iowa, the Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) fraternity at UNI, and Loved Ones Safe Together (LOST) to raise money for services that assist those with autism and Alzheimer’s. We planned and hosted a fundraiser for LOST on a Friday evening; the PSE fraternity and Autism Society of Iowa provided silent auction items for the fundraiser and followed up with the Tour De Falls bike ride on Saturday morning.

The LOST program is voluntary and will assist vulnerable citizens during times of crisis and emergency. It is a partnership with local law enforcement to identify and help those prone to wandering. There are multiple options within the LOST program available. Project Lifesaver uses a GPS locator to assist first responders and caregivers in locating a loved one. Vitals Aware Services aids in interactions between first responders and individuals with developmental, physical, mental or behavioral conditions by voluntarily communicating critical information through a signaling beacon and a smart phone app; the beacon can be attached to a keychain, bracelet, or phone. MedicAlert ID bracelets are also available.

Our fundraiser was held on Friday, April 26^th at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. We organized a catered meal from Mama Nick’s, a silent auction, and offered art activities and Phelps Youth Pavilion access to all attendees. All our hard work and efforts paid off as, raising over $3,200 for LOST and its services for the community.

Learn more about LOST or how you can make a difference at http://www.bhcso.org/ContentPage.aspx?id=278