Your 2025 VASIA Director of The Year

 

We are thrilled to share that Lauren Rynerson, Director of District 17 VASIA, has been named VASIA Director of the Year!

 

Lauren’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding our services across Johnson, Shelby, and now Hancock counties. Her unwavering dedication to advocating for seniors and incapacitated adults—especially those without family or support—has transformed lives and strengthened our community.

 

This recognition, featured recently in the Daily Journal, celebrates not just a title, but a tireless servant leader whose work continues to bring hope, dignity, and protection to those most in need.

 

Please join us in congratulating Lauren on this well-deserved honor!

Recent News

What Happens When No One Steps Up? Why Volunteer Advocates Are So Critical

 

Every day in Johnson, Hancock, and Shelby counties, seniors and incapacitated adults quietly slip through the cracks. Not because no one cares, but because there simply aren’t enough people to step up. Volunteer Advocates with the VASIA (Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults) program are the frontline defenders for these vulnerable individuals, but when there aren’t enough volunteers, many go unnoticed and unprotected.

Beginner’s Guide to Volunteering with Seniors & Adults in Need

Volunteering to support vulnerable seniors and adults is more than a kind gesture, it's a powerful act of advocacy. In Johnson, Hancock, and Shelby counties, the VASIA (Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults) program connects compassionate individuals with clients who have no family, have been abused, or are unable to care for themselves. If you're just beginning to explore this opportunity, this guide will walk you through every step of the journey, from application to advocacy.

Resources

The position is considered an independent contractor with specific duties requiring approximately 8-10 hours per month. Contract guardians are usually able to set their hours.

Responsibilities generally include:

• Helping them maintain independence while assuring health and safety.

• Examining their environment to ensure their living situation is safe. This evaluation does not necessarily mean a change to a residential facility but may mean the assistance of a service provider.

• Eliciting the assistance of friends and neighbors to provide safety factors to assist the person.

The contractors shall be compensated at $100 per case, per month, with a minimum of three cases. For clerical duties, the contractors will be compensated at $20 per hour. 

Curious About What It’s Like to Be a VASIA Volunteer?

 

We’ve created a short mock video to walk you through what it’s like to begin your journey as a VASIA volunteer. From meeting your first client to navigating the early steps of the guardianship process, this video offers a behind-the-scenes look at how you’ll make a real difference in someone’s life.

 

Watch the walkthrough above to see how it all begins.