Smith new business venture hopes to lend a hand

HOULTON, Maine — Individuals who are either unable to get out of their home or are just too busy to run errands can now call on a new business to come to their rescue.

Lending a Hand in the County, owned and operated by Kathie Smith, has started offering her service to local individuals and businesses. What are her services? Completing tasks on an person’s to-do list to give people more time in their busy day.
“Lending a Hand’s team of errand runners are can-do specialists who are reliable, discreet and can handle any assignment from grocery shopping to house cleaning to taking the dog to the groomers,” Smith said.  “People recuperating from health issues at home, seniors living alone or mothers arriving home with a newborn occasionally need a hand with daily errands.”
Lending a Hand is available to pick up and deliver medications, prepare and deliver a home-cooked meal, perform light housekeeping or walk a pet to help people live comfortably and independently.
“Nearly 22 percent of Houlton’s population is 65 years of age or older,” Smith said. “Many of these folks can continue to live independently with minimal assistance and Lending a Hand can customize its services to meet their needs.”
Another service of Lending a Hand is to provide house checks for those who are a way on vacations. Bonded and insured staff members are available to monitor homes for those away for a week or the winter, as well as homes that are vacant awaiting sale.
“With two people working full-time in many households, there is little time to plan special events, such as birthdays or anniversary parties,” Smith said. “Today, with businesses struggling to do more with less, planning retirement parties, recognition events or business meetings often create additional stress for an already lean staff. An errand service can provide a convenient and economical answer for these important events.”
Lending a Hand is associated with David Pyle, an American-French cuisine chef with 14 years of experience in food service management. Pyle, formerly chef and kitchen manager for “Tinker’s Dam” restaurant in Massachusetts, prepares affordable home-cooked meals that are delivered oven or freezer ready. Special orders for holidays, meetings, and events can be ordered from Pyle through Lending a Hand.
“There’s never been a better time for time-saving services in Houlton, as the time crises in North America have reached new heights and the challenges of balancing a family and work are taking their toll,” Smith said. “The Families and Work Institute reports that more than half of U.S. employees surveyed felt overworked at least sometimes.”
Smith recognizes that every person’s time is precious and decided to open a business that gives people back the gift of time in their lives.
“Why spend time waiting in line at the grocery store when you can be at your son or daughter’s soccer game, taking your significant other out for dinner, or just relaxing at home for a change?” she said. “Working couples, families with active children and busy professionals could all use a little more free time in their lives.”
A Maine native, Smith has 28 years of experience in human resources and has recognized the strain on personal and family time created by more women entering the workforce.
“Having Lending a Hand clean my house while I was at work allowed me to rest, relax and enjoy a visit with my family over the weekend,” said Rhonda Tower of Linneus.
Lending a Hand opened in March with a mission to offer custom services for all occasions, eliminating interruptions in its clients daily activities.
“People are left with very little quality family time,” Smith said. “Leaving some of the routine personal errands to Lending a Hand provides time for families to reconnect and share time together.”
For more information, contact Smith at 538-6324 or email lendingahand@pioneercable.net.