"Voices raise $22,000 for Faith in Action" -
Williamson County Sun, May 29, 2019
Faith in Action Concert Raises $22,000
First Baptist Georgetown’s choir performed with solos from Kristen Ramirez, left; Raegan Ramirez and Suzie Gabriel, at Faith in Action Georgetown’s annual Choral Concert. Photo Credit: St. Laurent Photography
Georgetown, Texas – Almost 600 people attended the 18th Annual Faith in Action Choral Concert which raised $22,000 for the nonprofit social service which helps Georgetown seniors remain independent.
Despite threatening weather, members of 10 Georgetown church choirs, Heritage Quartet and A Capella Texas, performed at the May 9 event at First Baptist Georgetown that included audience sing-a-longs of God Bless America, Amazing Grace and the grand finale of all choirs singing The Hallelujah Chorus.
From older hymns to praise music, the event themed Engage for Every Age, celebrated the diversity of ages of volunteers who help keep seniors connected to their community. First Baptist Georgetown embodied the theme with solo performances from three generations.
“The community who braved the rain were not disappointed,” said Faith in Action Georgetown’s Executive Director, Vickie Orcutt. She expressed gratitude for the choirs’ and community members’ commitment to the annual tradition.
One regular attendee told Ms. Orcutt that she was not going to let the rain keep her away. From humming and singing the words of familiar hymns to clapping along with more contemporary songs, audience members were thoroughly engaged in the popular event.
“I just moved from Houston in Fall 2018,” said Betty Davidson, a first-time attendee. “I love good spiritual choral concerts. We have to keep the hymns as part of worship.”
Since 2001, the nonprofit Faith in Action Georgetown has been providing volunteer-powered services to help seniors age in place and connect with others. In 2018, 788 clients were given 10,773 rides. The organization is on pace to increase that number with 790 clients being given 3,208 rides the first quarter of 2019.
For more information about Faith in Action Georgetown services or to volunteer, please call (512) 868-9544 or visit www.FaithInActionGT.org.
If you want to check out more photos from the concert, click the button below.
"Rising service demand spurs change at Faith in Action in Georgetown" -
Community Impact, May 21, 2019
Faith in Action has 360 people who volunteer as drivers for the nonprofit,
including Barry Harding, shown offering free transportation service to a client.
Courtesy Faith in Action (Courtesy Faith in Action)
"Faith in Action adds to its board" -
Williamson County Sun, February 24, 2019
Shop - Share - Socialize
Faith in Action Go-Van-Go Update
Georgetown, Texas – The Faith in Action Go-Van-Go is a hit! More clients are calling every day to schedule appointments on the van. Mike, our van driver, travels around town taking our clients to the 2 HEBs and Wal-Mart. Each location has a specific day.
Tuesdays - HEB on Highway 29
Wednesdays - Wal-Mart
Thursday - HEB on Williams Drive
During the holidays, the Faith in Action Go-Van-Go made a few special trips. In November and December, the van started riding to Wolf Ranch every Monday. This gave our clients a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping. Mike also drove three Christmas light trips around Georgetown where clients got to sit back, relax, and look at beautiful lights. Two out of the three times the van was completely full! The idea came from a client who reminisced about the times they were able to go out and see the Christmas lights but cannot do that anymore. Mike took the idea to Vickie, our Executive Director, and she thought it was a perfect way to incorporate our mission and the van. "Because the van is only used during the day, we thought this was a wonderful way to entertain our clients and give them another magical experience during the holiday season."
Mike is always amazed at the enthusiasm the clients bring on the shuttle. “Lots of our riders are 90 and better and I am encouraged at the efforts these folks put in because some are going through various health situations. It also surprises me how our clients always have a great attitude and are always at peace with their situation.
Faith in Action conducted a client survey and asked questions regarding where clients would like to ride the van. The top 3 answers were the Grocery Store, Wolf Ranch, and the Library. Stay tuned to learn where our next stop will be!
If you are interested in riding the Go-Van-Go, please call Anne, who oversees our client services, at 512-868-9544.
"Faith in Action expands services" -
City Week, September 26, 2018
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"Georgetown non-profit offers rides to grocery store" -
KVUE, August 31, 2018
"Faith in Action van goes to H-E-B, Walmart" -
City Week, August 8, 2018
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"Faith in Action holding concert to raise money for growing need" -
KVUE, April 3, 2018
"Can you drive? Do you want to volunteer? A Georgetown non-profit needs you" - KVUE, October 06, 2017
Volunteer Appreciation – The Williamson County Sun, October 11, 2017
Faith in Action Georgetown expands office hours with grant
Georgetown nonprofit Faith in Action Georgetown will begin offering full-day office hours March 15.The extended hours will allow the nonprofit, which provides transportation services for seniors in Georgetown, to better serve its more than 500 clients, FIAG Executive Director Vickie Orcutt said.
“This grant is about mobility management and coordination,” Orcutt said. “We’ve always scheduled rides all day, but now we will have the administrative support to have full-day office hours, and our clients will benefit from our expanded hours.”
The expanded hours were made possible by a $120,000 Federal Transportation Administration grant awarded through the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The City supported the grant, which will allow the nonprofit to work alongside the City’s fixed-route bus system that is expected to launch in August.
The grant will be administered over a two-year period to pay for salaries and program expenses related to the expanded hours.
Orcutt said the grant will allow FIAG to work with the City’s Transit Working Group, which also includes officials from the Georgetown Health Foundation, Capital Metro and the City working together to provide technical and strategic support for the bus system.
Previously, FIAG’s office was open 9 a.m.-noon for client scheduling and coordination; however, the grant will allow the office to open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
“Not having a car any longer, Faith in Action Georgetown is my only mode of transportation,” said Linda Deal, a FIAG client. “My doctors don’t give me much time in advance, so having those extra hours to call will take the pressure off.”
On Feb. 14, Mayor Dale Ross read a proclamation at Georgetown City Council about Faith in Action Georgetown and their services for area seniors.
FIAG provides transportation for clients age 65 and older who live in Georgetown or the extraterritorial jurisdiction and are able to get in and out of a vehicle without assistance. In 2016, the nonprofit provided more than 6,000 rides to its clients with the help of 215 volunteers. More than 75 percent of rides are for health-related appointments or access to food, Orcutt said.
For more information about volunteering with Faith in Action Georgetown and its services, call (512) 868-9544 or visit www.faithinactiongt.org.
“This grant is about mobility management and coordination,” Orcutt said. “We’ve always scheduled rides all day, but now we will have the administrative support to have full-day office hours, and our clients will benefit from our expanded hours.”
The expanded hours were made possible by a $120,000 Federal Transportation Administration grant awarded through the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The City supported the grant, which will allow the nonprofit to work alongside the City’s fixed-route bus system that is expected to launch in August.
The grant will be administered over a two-year period to pay for salaries and program expenses related to the expanded hours.
Orcutt said the grant will allow FIAG to work with the City’s Transit Working Group, which also includes officials from the Georgetown Health Foundation, Capital Metro and the City working together to provide technical and strategic support for the bus system.
Previously, FIAG’s office was open 9 a.m.-noon for client scheduling and coordination; however, the grant will allow the office to open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
“Not having a car any longer, Faith in Action Georgetown is my only mode of transportation,” said Linda Deal, a FIAG client. “My doctors don’t give me much time in advance, so having those extra hours to call will take the pressure off.”
On Feb. 14, Mayor Dale Ross read a proclamation at Georgetown City Council about Faith in Action Georgetown and their services for area seniors.
FIAG provides transportation for clients age 65 and older who live in Georgetown or the extraterritorial jurisdiction and are able to get in and out of a vehicle without assistance. In 2016, the nonprofit provided more than 6,000 rides to its clients with the help of 215 volunteers. More than 75 percent of rides are for health-related appointments or access to food, Orcutt said.
For more information about volunteering with Faith in Action Georgetown and its services, call (512) 868-9544 or visit www.faithinactiongt.org.
Fifteen Years of Musical Tradition
Georgetown, Texas – Faith in Action Georgetown (FIAG) is hosting the Fifteenth Annual Spring Choral Concert Thursday, April 21, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Georgetown beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free. A special FIAG offering will be taken during the concert. All proceeds will benefit Faith in Action Georgetown and the services provided to seniors.
“For fifteen years this benefit concert has raised funds for continued services to Georgetown seniors,” Vickie Orcutt, FIAG’s Executive Director said. “The Georgetown community has been very supportive of taking care of the older residents who need our services.”
FIAG is passionate about helping aging Georgetown residents maintain their health and independence through volunteer services such as transportation, running errands, care calling, home visits, handyman help, and other types of assistance. Last year, FIAG volunteers provided 5,644 rides and other support services to Georgetown seniors.
Many people come every year to enjoy the uplifting music, which has made this musical fundraiser a long-time tradition. On average, 600 people gather with friends and family to enjoy the programs performed by choirs and musical groups from local churches.
This year’s assemblies are from Faith Lutheran, First United Methodist, Grace Episcopal, Main Street Baptist, San Gabriel Presbyterian, St. Helen’s Catholic, St. John’s United Methodist, Wellspring United Methodist, the Worship Place, Encore Voices Choir from Crestview Baptist, and Voices in Praise Choir from First Baptist. FIAG is also proud to welcome back the Heritage Quartet for a second year. New to the program this year are Rhythm of The Grace from Saving Grace Christian Bible Fellowship, a flute duet, and the Angel Choir, the children’s choir from Christ Lutheran.
“The Annual Spring Choral Concert wouldn’t be possible without these talented musical groups and our generous sponsors,” Orcutt said.
Showing their support again this year are VIP sponsors Lou Gibson and Barbara and George Brightwell. Our Platinum sponsors are St. David’s Georgetown and Tom Backus. Gold sponsors include Bill and Becky Booth, Bobby and Anne Cain, Gary Sandercock, Rex and Peggy Cloud, and Ron and JoAnna Shelly. Silver sponsors are San Gabriel Chorale, First Texas Bank, Archie and Judy Schneider, Dr. Jon Dietlein, Dottie Mitchell, and Larry Tippens. Bronze sponsors include Berry Creek Golf Guys, Dr. Scott Williams, and Don Homeyer State Farm Agent. This year’s in-kind sponsors are Ink Images and KWoot Photography.
FIAG welcomes new supporters this year, thanking Platinum sponsors Advanced Pain Care, Georgetown Veterinary Hospital and First United Methodist Church Friendship Class. Gold sponsors are David Collision Repair and Bob and Dolline Burton. New Silver sponsors are Ann Spates, Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, and RJ Precision Machining. Bronze sponsors are Dady Insurance –David Dady, Chiropractic Station – Dr. Scot Knight, Berry Creek Lady Golfers, The Stacy Group, Tortise and the Hair, Kelley and Kelley, Inc, and Norman and Lynda Peters.
Event sponsors will receive recognition in the concert program and acknowledgement in the quarterly newsletter that is mailed to over 1,300 families.
For more information about this wonderful musical event, please contact the Faith in Action Georgetown office at 512-868-9544 or visit our website at www.faithinactiongt.org.
“For fifteen years this benefit concert has raised funds for continued services to Georgetown seniors,” Vickie Orcutt, FIAG’s Executive Director said. “The Georgetown community has been very supportive of taking care of the older residents who need our services.”
FIAG is passionate about helping aging Georgetown residents maintain their health and independence through volunteer services such as transportation, running errands, care calling, home visits, handyman help, and other types of assistance. Last year, FIAG volunteers provided 5,644 rides and other support services to Georgetown seniors.
Many people come every year to enjoy the uplifting music, which has made this musical fundraiser a long-time tradition. On average, 600 people gather with friends and family to enjoy the programs performed by choirs and musical groups from local churches.
This year’s assemblies are from Faith Lutheran, First United Methodist, Grace Episcopal, Main Street Baptist, San Gabriel Presbyterian, St. Helen’s Catholic, St. John’s United Methodist, Wellspring United Methodist, the Worship Place, Encore Voices Choir from Crestview Baptist, and Voices in Praise Choir from First Baptist. FIAG is also proud to welcome back the Heritage Quartet for a second year. New to the program this year are Rhythm of The Grace from Saving Grace Christian Bible Fellowship, a flute duet, and the Angel Choir, the children’s choir from Christ Lutheran.
“The Annual Spring Choral Concert wouldn’t be possible without these talented musical groups and our generous sponsors,” Orcutt said.
Showing their support again this year are VIP sponsors Lou Gibson and Barbara and George Brightwell. Our Platinum sponsors are St. David’s Georgetown and Tom Backus. Gold sponsors include Bill and Becky Booth, Bobby and Anne Cain, Gary Sandercock, Rex and Peggy Cloud, and Ron and JoAnna Shelly. Silver sponsors are San Gabriel Chorale, First Texas Bank, Archie and Judy Schneider, Dr. Jon Dietlein, Dottie Mitchell, and Larry Tippens. Bronze sponsors include Berry Creek Golf Guys, Dr. Scott Williams, and Don Homeyer State Farm Agent. This year’s in-kind sponsors are Ink Images and KWoot Photography.
FIAG welcomes new supporters this year, thanking Platinum sponsors Advanced Pain Care, Georgetown Veterinary Hospital and First United Methodist Church Friendship Class. Gold sponsors are David Collision Repair and Bob and Dolline Burton. New Silver sponsors are Ann Spates, Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, and RJ Precision Machining. Bronze sponsors are Dady Insurance –David Dady, Chiropractic Station – Dr. Scot Knight, Berry Creek Lady Golfers, The Stacy Group, Tortise and the Hair, Kelley and Kelley, Inc, and Norman and Lynda Peters.
Event sponsors will receive recognition in the concert program and acknowledgement in the quarterly newsletter that is mailed to over 1,300 families.
For more information about this wonderful musical event, please contact the Faith in Action Georgetown office at 512-868-9544 or visit our website at www.faithinactiongt.org.
Faith in Action Georgetown Employs New Executive Director
Georgetown, Texas – The New Year has come with great changes to Faith in Action Georgetown, one of which is the installation of Vickie Orcutt as new executive director. This change comes upon the retirement of Rita Handley, who has been serving as executive director of Faith in Action Georgetown since 2006.
Faith in Action Georgetown is a non-profit dedicated to helping senior adults stay healthy and independent in their own homes. The mission of FIAG is to be an advocate for seniors by providing volunteer services to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
Orcutt is a community leader dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and has been working with senior adults in various environments since 2003. Over the last decade Orcutt has been devoted to senior care through her involvement as a founding member of the Texas Culture Change Coalition and as coordinator of the community-wide assessment led by the Georgetown Aging Initiative; that ultimately formed the Georgetown Commission on Aging. Currently, she is serving as the secretary for the Georgetown Ministerial Alliance as well as the program director of an adult respite program at Main Street Baptist Church.
Holding a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Texas – Pan American and a Masters degree in Social Work in Administration Leadership from Texas State University – San Marcos, Orcutt launched her non-profit career working with Family Eldercare as the Williamson County Program Coordinator and returned as interim administrator to manage the In Home Care Program in Austin.
Orcutt will continue to be an advocate for seniors to maintain their quality of life and independence. She also aspires to bring her non-profit and management experience to grow community awareness and connect community volunteers to impact Faith in Action Georgetown’s mission.
Faith in Action Georgetown is a non-profit dedicated to helping senior adults stay healthy and independent in their own homes. The mission of FIAG is to be an advocate for seniors by providing volunteer services to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
Orcutt is a community leader dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and has been working with senior adults in various environments since 2003. Over the last decade Orcutt has been devoted to senior care through her involvement as a founding member of the Texas Culture Change Coalition and as coordinator of the community-wide assessment led by the Georgetown Aging Initiative; that ultimately formed the Georgetown Commission on Aging. Currently, she is serving as the secretary for the Georgetown Ministerial Alliance as well as the program director of an adult respite program at Main Street Baptist Church.
Holding a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Texas – Pan American and a Masters degree in Social Work in Administration Leadership from Texas State University – San Marcos, Orcutt launched her non-profit career working with Family Eldercare as the Williamson County Program Coordinator and returned as interim administrator to manage the In Home Care Program in Austin.
Orcutt will continue to be an advocate for seniors to maintain their quality of life and independence. She also aspires to bring her non-profit and management experience to grow community awareness and connect community volunteers to impact Faith in Action Georgetown’s mission.