Chelan’s TLC for Seniors becomes independent nonprofit

CHELAN – Chelan Valley’s Tender Loving Care (TLC) for Seniors is a newly independent nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors live independently by providing free, volunteer-driven support, including transportation, social activities, and companionship.

“We want every single senior that feels lonely in the valley to know they have a friend and that we are there for them, and so that is our main focus, making sure that they know they matter and that they're not forgotten, and that they're really important in our community,” TLC Executive Director Sandy Zimchek said 

“The services we provide are very individualized, so it can be as basic as somebody wanting somebody to come play cards with them once a week,” Zimchek said. “Or it could be as much as I need to go to doctor's appointments this week. I need to go get groceries, or we need to go get my prescriptions.”

TLC ensures that elderly individuals who have lost family or friends, or whose loved ones live far away, feel valued and supported through volunteer-driven companionship and care.

“If someone’s family has all passed on, or their friends are gone, or their family was far away, but they want to stay in Chelan, and you know, their family might visit a couple times a year, but other than that a lot of their friends are gone and so we really focus on making sure that they know that they matter to us,” Zimchek  said.

Because the services are volunteer it’s not the same as when someone is paid to take care of the individual. It is different when someone gives their free time, she said.

“It's a different experience,” she said. “Our volunteers go through a lot of training. They specialize in making a difference in someone's life in a positive way.”

“We try to find out what they miss doing and that kind of stuff, to see if there's a way we can help and that's really pretty special,” she said.

Services are confidential and always free. There are no financial requirements to qualify for services. The only requirements are that the individual be over 60 or disabled.

Since its formation in 2017, TLC has operated under the fiscal sponsorship of Chelan Valley Hope. However, the organization transitioned to independent nonprofit status in January 2025.

For the past year and a half, the organization has been working toward becoming an independent nonprofit after years of support from Chelan Valley Hope. The transition allows them to apply for grants and access new opportunities that were unavailable under fiscal sponsorship. Chelan Valley Hope played a crucial role in guiding them through the process, offering expertise and resources to ensure a smooth transition.

Now, TLC  has built a strong board and a dedicated team of volunteers, many of whom bring valuable business and administrative experience. Volunteers have helped draft bylaws and establish a solid foundation for long-term success. The group is grateful for the overwhelming support from individuals who selflessly give their time and energy to help others.

Zimcheck said the volunteers are crucial to accomplishing TLC’s mission.

“They're just probably some of the greatest people I have ever met in my life,” she said. “Honestly, I mean, they're just awesome people. I can't even tell you how special they are, because when someone's willing to give up their time and their energy to someone they haven't even met yet, and so willing to serve and just make that person a priority in their life. It's just amazing to me how giving they are.”

Tender Loving Care was founded in response to a 2016 community survey assessing the needs of seniors in Chelan. The survey revealed that most seniors preferred to stay in their homes but faced challenges such as transportation, mobility, and day-to-day tasks. Around the same time, a community nurse program was launched to provide medical assistance, while TLC was established to address non-medical needs.

Kathy Miller and Mary Murphy spearheaded the initiative, with Claudia Swenson serving as the first program coordinator. She recruited volunteers and helped build the program, which has grown significantly over the years. TLC now receives frequent referrals and maintains a waiting list due to fluctuating volunteer numbers.

Chelan Valley Hope’s Executive Director, Tamra Hively has also played a crucial role in nurturing the program and helping to guide it to nonprofit status.

Volunteers typically dedicate two to three hours per week assisting seniors with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, mail retrieval, and companionship. Some seniors require short-term assistance following surgery, while others need ongoing support. Many former recipients of TLC services later become volunteers themselves.

The program was also influenced by Guardian Angels, an earlier initiative in the Methow Valley that provided similar in-home assistance. Guardian Angels shared policies and procedures that helped TLC establish its framework.

Since its inception, TLC has expanded from about 15 volunteers to a consistent base of 30 to 35, continuing its mission of helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in their own homes.

TLC is always in need of volunteers, with various roles available beyond traditional companionship. Volunteers can commit to regular weekly visits or serve as backups when needed. There are also opportunities for those who prefer hands-on tasks, such as handyman services for minor home repairs like fixing leaks, securing railings, or repairing doorknobs.

For those less inclined to social visits, other roles include managing social media, organizing events, or simply playing cards with seniors. TLC also welcomes individuals passionate about event planning, as they hope to host more social gatherings open to all seniors in the valley—not just TLC clients. These events are free, requiring only an RSVP to ensure proper meal planning.

Since its inception TLC has provided more than 14,000 hours of visits, averaging 1.9 hours per visits. TLC volunteers logged 24,000 miles of transportation for important appointments in 2023 and 2024. Social events highlight each year for TLC clients: Fall Feast, Christmas singalongs, Random Acts of Kindness  Day, St. Patrick’s Day dancers, Mother’s and Father’s Day remembrances. 

TLC encourages people to contribute their unique skills to support seniors in the community in whatever way they can.

For more information or to RSVP for events, visit facebook.com/TenderLovingCareChelanValley or call Sandy Zimcheck at 509-699-9042.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.