Hosted by: Troy Garcia Special guest: Steve Bissonnette

In this special episode, we sit down with Steve Bissonnette, President of Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), to delve into this cherished nonprofit’s rich history and monumental achievements as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. VISTE’s story began in Lakeland, initially focusing on providing transportation for seniors to their medical appointments. However, it quickly became apparent that the needs extended beyond just transportation, leading to an expanded vision and services to meet the growing demands.

Fast forward to today, VISTE has significantly broadened its impact, now offering weekly meals and groceries to over 4,000 seniors across Polk County. Among its many initiatives, the annual Thanksgiving hot meal delivery stands out as a hallmark event. It draws volunteers from all corners of the community and showcases the philanthropic spirit that thrives in Lakeland.

In this episode we cover:

• The VISTE Story (1:57)
• Why seniors staying in their homes is important for their health (3:30)
• Why Troy got involved with VISTE (5:31)
• Services provided by this locally funded non-profit organization (8:48)
• How you can volunteer (17:36)
• The magic of volunteering for VISTE’s Thanksgiving Hot Meal Delivery event (19:36)
• Details of the events leading up to this event (21:21)
• The question that launched a title sponsorship (29:41)
• Volunteers are the cornerstone of this organization (33:29)
• There is currently a waiting list for seniors who need help; VISTE’s goal is to grow (34:45)
• Why keeping someone in their home is good for the individual and the community (37:40)

Links From the Show:

Allen & Company
VISTE
Muscle Memory
Thanksgiving Hot Meal Delivery
Senior Stats

Connect with:

Troy Garcia – CFP®, Vice President, Financial Advisor at Allen & Company
Allen & Company – Troy Garcia
LinkedIn – Troy Garcia

Steve Bissonnette  – President, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE)
VISTE
LinkedIn – Steve Bissonnettee

The opinions voiced in this program are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult an appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Steve Bissonnette and VISTE are not affiliated with LPL or Allen & Co.