Mission Moment Archives: 2010
Mission Moments
December 2011
Often the Commission on Aging staff receives “thank you” notes from people who have had a connection with program staff. It seems appropriate at this time of year to share some of those “thank you” sentiments:
- “I love school now because my Foster Grandma has helped me with
my reading.”
- “The meals are delicious. They helped me through my illness.”
- “The Fitness Classes have given me greater flexibility and
independence, and the Fitness Leaders are wonderful.”
- “I expected my volunteer experience to be fulfilling. Who knew
it would also be fun?”
It is always heartwarming to know that the service we provide helps people in many ways. One of my favorite thank you notes came from a woman who worked with one of our case managers and needed help in a number of situations. Following is her thank you:
“Sometimes in life problems seem so complex that a
person doesn’t know where to turn. I came to the Commission on Aging at
the suggestion of a friend. My partner had recently died, bills were
mounting, and family had returned home. I was scared, lonely and didn’t
know where to turn. As I prepared to call the agency, I made a deal with
myself that if the phone wasn’t answered by the third ring, I would
disconnect the call. Second ring, “Good Morning. This is the Commission
on Aging. How may I direct your call?” The voice was so friendly that I
forgot to hang-up and explained my problem. I made an appointment with a
case manager for the end of the week. Through tears and laughter, I
explained my situation, my fears and helpless feelings.
Thank you for treating me with respect, for understanding my grief and
giving me reassurance that you would help with my problems. I’ll never
forget the kindness I was shown and I will strive to pass that on to
others.”
Barbara Frankenfield,
In Home Services Coordinator
November 2011
People volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some people are lonely or looking for something to do. Some want to use their skills. Others want to help someone in need. Some want to give back to the community. Sometimes people volunteer for a short period of time, then move on to another activity or interest. And sometimes people find something they enjoy doing so much they continue for many years.
One individual has been volunteering at COA for 31 years. She thought about volunteering at the Commission on Aging for a long time and was so happy when she figured she was “old enough” to volunteer for COA. She started volunteering in the kitchen as a site assistant and served more meals than we could count. She said she was ashamed to call it work because it was so much fun. For a while she volunteered almost every day. She never drove, and relied on her husband to drop her off at COA on his way to work. She would arrive early and would knit or crochet until it was time to begin work. She would spend her breaks crocheting or knitting hats and mittens. Soon other people joined in and a group formed. One day a gentleman from Central Michigan Community Hospital came to COA and told the group about gingerbread dolls that are given to children who have emergency room treatment or lab work done. Since that day the Needle Crafters have made thousands of gingerbread dolls for local children.
Today this volunteer is still having fun making hats and mittens for area children and adults. She hopes that she is helping people stay warm each winter. She believes people should do what they are really interested in. “Think about the enjoyment you experience, the fun in what you do, the people you meet who come together to work together or rather have fun together.” I think this is a very wise woman.
Ginny Cain
Gold Key Volunteer Program Coordinator
September 2011
The Senior Companion Program
Imagine for a moment that you are in a situation where you are now residing in a facility that is not your home. The surroundings are unfamiliar to you. You do not know the other people around you. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a friend come visit that you could talk too and that would help you ease into your new home and environment?
That is where a Senior Companion Volunteer comes into the picture. They visit many of their clients, whom they consider friends and family, who reside in assisted living and nursing home settings. They provide them with companionship and friendship. There was one particular resident of a nursing home who would not join in an activity until her Senior Companion had arrived. She just needed that reassurance that she could do this and that things would be o.k. With a little encouragement from her Senior Companion, she was eventually able to initiate participation in activities on her own.
Life is all about relationships, and in many situations in life you get by with a little help from your friends. For many, that friend is their Senior Companion.
Mary Ann Mooradian, Coordinator
Senior Companion Program
August 2011
Why the Golf Outing?
Once a year the Commission on Aging sponsors a Golf Outing. Some may ask, “What does that have to do with the services the COA provides?” If you are looking for an answer, let me tell you why. It is a way to support this agency and have fun with others.
The Golf Outing is our annual fundraiser to help raise money for the program that needs it the most. This year all proceeds will go towards mileage reimbursement to all our volunteer drivers. Some deliver meals; others provide transportation to older adults needing to go to the grocery store, medical appointments, and other places.
The individuals who sign up to play in this outing do it because they like to golf and because the money goes to a good cause. They are people of all ages, both men and women. Some may be a little better at it than others but it is a day of fun and good food. The breakfast, lunch and after game hors-d-oeuvres are prepared in the COA kitchen.
Members of the community and businesses support this event by being hole sponsors, meal sponsors, and by providing prizes for the silent auction and raffle that takes place at the event. Volunteers help staff setup, drive golf carts to carry clubs, sell raffle tickets and help clean up.
The golf outing is always the first Friday in August at Pleasant Hills Golf Club. If you want more information contact Sally Wojciechowski @772-0748.
July 2011
Years ago, I remember conversations with friends who were teachers talking about having been in their careers long enough that they were now teaching the children of former students. I remember thinking, though not saying, “Wow, that’s a long time. I didn’t think you were that old.” As the old saying goes “What goes around comes around.” So it has as I am now working with the children whose parents I worked with many years ago.
My point is that people remember the help that they received through the agency’s programs, staff and volunteers. It never gets old to hear:
“The Commission on Aging helped my parents with insurance questions and now my partner and I need some advice about health insurance.”
“I never knew how many services the Commission on Aging provided until my parents needed help with meals because they had both been in the hospital. One simple call and they received a daily hot meal, transportation to follow-up medical appointments and help with the myriad of bills from the hospitalization. I’ve recently had surgery, and I didn’t have to think twice about whom to call for help.”
“My siblings and I lived out-of-town. I don’t know how we would have taken care of our parents without the assistance from the Commission on Aging. I hope the agency is still around when I need help.”
It still amazes me that life seems to go by so quickly. The staff at the Commission on Aging works hard to provide good service to the community; and thanks to the work accomplished now and with the generosity of our donors and funding sources, we are building a strong foundation that will serve future generations.
What goes around comes around and I’m glad it does!
June 2011
Several years ago a woman called in to volunteer with COA. It seems her grown children thought it was a good idea – it would give her something to do they said. Reluctantly, she made an appointment to register as a volunteer.
When I met with her, she was fighting back tears as she told me she didn’t know what she could possibly be capable of doing to help COA. She wanted to help but didn’t think she was “qualified.” We talked about work she had done in her life. She had always worked and cared for her family. I told her there was honor in all work and recited a favorite quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve... You only need a heart full of grace . . . and a soul generated by love.” She smiled and asked what she could do to help COA.
We discussed various volunteer opportunities. She said, “When I retired, I lost my identity, maybe it’s time to reinvent myself.” She knew that she was a good driver and enjoyed helping people. She liked sewing and knitting. She decided to make some handmade items for our Needle Crafts program to be donated to those in need.
She also felt she could drive older adults to medical appointments
and maybe even deliver meals to homebound older adults. Well, over the
years she’s driven many miles, transported many clients and delivered
many meals as a Gold Key Volunteer Driver. Clients request her as a
driver because of her genuine kindness and concern for them. She enjoys
her new identity as a Gold Key Volunteer. Her family is happy to have
mom happy again. COA staff and clients deeply appreciate this
“qualified” individual. I am so grateful she gave volunteering a chance!
Ginny Cain
Gold Key Volunteer Program Coordinator
April 2011
Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program
The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Volunteers are building a
stronger Michigan. We know that there are many children who need the
guidance and nurturing of an older adult. Our 46 Foster Grandparents
assist over 173 children with academic, social and emotional support in
27 different settings. They are helping to build a strong foundation for
generations to come. We know that there are many frail older adults who
are feeling isolated in their homes, whether it be a family home or in a
nursing home. Our 23 senior companions ease the loneliness of 119
individuals. They are a connection to the community and advocates for
their clients.
You will not find a more dedicated group of individuals who are effective and efficient in meeting community needs. For our volunteers this program provides them with an opportunity to stay active, connected, healthy and self-sufficient. The small stipend they receive for their service makes a world of difference in their lives. One volunteer recently commented that, because of the stipend she receives for the service she provides, she was able to purchase fuel oil to heat her home this winter so she did not have to move in with her son and his family. She appreciated the independence this program has given her.
Our volunteers are Rock Stars of their generation!! When they enter a room all the children flock to receive a hug, or a client’s face lights up. No matter where they go “everyone knows their name!”
Mary Ann Mooradian, Coordinator
Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Program
March 2011
The first time we met was when he stopped by the Commission on Aging
to see the building. I took him on a tour and then we talked for awhile.
I found out he was 82 years old, loved life and enjoyed each and every
day. He said a positive attitude makes this world a better place.
The reason I am writing about this is that people come into our lives
for a reason. Some make you stop and think about what is important in
your own life. Do I appreciate what I have? Do I take the time to listen
when someone speaks to me? Do I do the little things like: pick up
something someone has dropped, hold a door open, smile at someone who
looks my way or just try to make someone’s day a little better? It is
important in life no matter what we are doing to notice others and to
take their feelings into consideration.
When he left that day he reminded me to be a good neighbor, take time to
give what you can to others and keep in touch with family and friends.
Your life is what you make it and what you do does matter and affects
others.
Sally Wojciechowski, Activity Center and Trip Director
February 2011
There are times when we in the human service profession get so caught up in making sure that the funding continues, regulations are being followed and numbers are being met that we forget some simple life lessons. I was reminded one year when I delivered a “Have a Heart” box to a woman I had known for many years. She had always been a little gruff and I hadn’t known her to smile much.
I arrived at her home after three inches of snow had fallen. She opened the door, handed me a snow shovel and said the snow needed to be cleared away from the door so the volunteers could deliver her home delivered meal. She was right, of course, and I knew from experience that any discussion on my part would fall on deaf ears, so I shoveled.
When I was finished, she ushered me inside and handed me a cup of coffee. She then told me to show her what was in the “Have a Heart” box. First things I pulled out were packets of Cream of Wheat. “Feels like little pebbles when I eat that” she said. Next was peanut butter. She picked it up and said, “Pretty good if you have jam.” Batting a thousand, I went for the candy. “I hope that isn’t one of those chewy candies that stick to my teeth.” I hoped so also.
Then when I had almost lost hope of finding anything she might like, my eyes lit on the envelope that contained valentine cards from area children. I handed her the envelope and explained what was inside. She opened it quickly, pulled all the cards out and before we could stop it, glitter from the cards was all over the table. I was afraid I would be running the vacuum soon but to my surprise, she became quiet and began to read the cards. A smile crossed her lips.
She carefully read each card stopping at the one she liked the best. It was a card on pink construction paper with a heart made from macaroni that spelled, “I love you”. She became very serious and said, “Look here. Children get it. It’s about love, especially when it’s spelled out with macaroni!”
My life lesson: “Out of the mouths of babes”; “It takes a village”; “All You Need is Love.” All I need is to remember!
Barb Frankenfield, In-Home Services Program Director