by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager

This month, we are proud to recognize Brenda Gordert as our Volunteer of the Month. As a Health Benefits Assistance volunteer, she helps individuals navigate Medicare — especially during the busy Annual Enrollment Period each fall. As Kerry Smith, Care Coordination Administrative Assistant, shares, “Brenda helps with appointment scheduling during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period in the fall, and that is really an understatement. She spends many hours making hundreds of phone calls to clients to set up appointments with our volunteers and reschedule appointments as needed.”

Her support goes well beyond scheduling. Kerry adds, “She also helps set up and troubleshoot Medicare.gov accounts for clients and not only adapts to changes with Medicare.gov but continually finds more efficient ways to manage them. She helps keep us organized by logging appointment details and account information.” For many older adults, this process can feel overwhelming, but Brenda brings calm and clarity. As Kerry notes, “She is always professional in the office, has a great attention for details, and stays calm. She also keeps smiling even when things get crazy. We could not manage the busy annual enrollment period without her, and my job especially would be impossible without her!”

Born and raised in Midland, Brenda married her husband, Bill, in 1983. They have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three granddaughters. She also volunteers at Assumption Catholic Church and the Food Caring Network, bowls in two leagues, and enjoys camping in Grayling.

Brenda’s impact is deeply felt across our community. Please join us in congratulating and thanking her for her outstanding service.

The Health Benefits Assistance program helps take the guesswork out of Medicare, Part D prescription plans, Social Security Extra Help, and more — at no cost. To connect with a volunteer, call 989-633-3748. For other services, call 989-633-3700. Interested in volunteering? Contact Allison at 989-633-3741.

WELCOME New Volunteers
Jessica Coin
Krislin Hutchinson
Joy Tessin
Maya Yaw

Make a Difference—Volunteer Today!

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Senior Services needs caring volunteers to support older adults in Midland County. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can commit to a regular schedule, your time can make a world of difference.

By volunteering, you’ll:

• Brighten someone’s day with a friendly visit or helping hand
• Provide essential transportation for older adults who need a lift
• Deliver hot, nutritious meals and a warm smile to those in need

Current Volunteer Openings:

• Transportation Drivers – 2 Needed
  Help older adults stay independent by driving them to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, or other essential outings. You’ll provide an “arm to lean on” and peace of mind. Routes available in AM, PM or All Day.
• Friendly Visitors – 4 Females and 3 Male Friendly Visitors & Shoppers Needed
  Spend just 1-2 hours a week visiting, calling, or running errands for an older adult. This is a flexible opportunity—perfect for working professionals!
• Senior Safety Team – 1 Needed
  Assist older adults with minor home repairs to improve safety. Requires repair skills, own tools and transportation; mileage reimbursed, 5-10 hours monthly.
• Meals on Wheels Drivers – Needed for Sanford, Greendale & Coleman Routes and Several Subs Needed for All Routes
  Deliver meals Monday–Friday from 10 AM–1 PM. You’ll receive mileage reimbursement and a free lunch!

Ready to make an impact? Sign up today! Visit SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer to fill out a contact form, or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.