by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Senior Services Volunteer of the Month for August is Dave Feusse. Dave is a volunteer driver at the Coleman Activity and Dining Center delivering Meals on Wheels. He has been volunteering in that capacity since January 2015 driving over 690 hours. Dave drives the out of town route every Monday in Coleman. He not only delivers a hot meal to clients but also provides a caring demeanor and listening ear they can rely on.
Tracey Wright, Coleman Activity and Dining Center Manager speaks very highly of Dave! She says, “I love having Dave as a volunteer! He is very reliable and dependable.” Dave reports that he has only missed two days of delivering meals since he started. He stated, “I missed one day due to the weather and the other day was a few months ago in May when I had the flu.” Tracey states, “Dave is always willing to switch days in order to accommodate others. He also offers route suggestions when adding new clients. Dave has donated several items to the Center which we utilize on a daily basis.”
When asked why he volunteers, Dave replied, “I know there is a need. I enjoy it…it keeps me busy.” Dave explained that he started volunteering after the Commander of the VFW talked him into it. They were “battle buddies” together in Iraq.
Dave served in the National Guard for 23 years and retired from the Armory in Midland as a truck mechanic. He enjoys “tinkering” with tractors both real and model. He also enjoys volunteering at the VFW helping with BINGO on Monday nights.
The Meals on Wheels program provides delicious, nutritious, well-balanced meals, planned and approved by a Registered Dietitian. Eligibility is determined by a Care Coordinator. There is no waiting list for Meals on Wheels, and short term as well as long term service is available. There is no income requirement and meals are offered on a donation basis. Meals on Wheels drivers are sometimes the only daily contact for clients, providing a hot meal & a friendly face. Meals on Wheels routes usually start around 10:30 am and take on average about two hours to deliver. Senior Services has 21 routes that go out each day, Monday through Friday from three of our Activity and Dining Centers, covering the whole county. If you are interested in Meals on Wheels or another service we offer, please call Senior Services at (989) 633-3700. To get started volunteering please contact Allison at (989) 633-3741.
Thank you Dave for your dedication to Senior Services Meals on Wheels clients! We really appreciate your volunteer tenacity. Congratulations on being chosen Volunteer of the Month!
We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is in great need of drivers for Meals on Wheels in Coleman & Greendale and for Transportation.
We are in need of Friendly Visitors/Shopping volunteers. Care Coordinators request volunteer visitors or shoppers for older adults who may be isolated, homebound, or unable to drive. Visits are tailored to the needs, interests and availability of the volunteer. Usually one to two hours per week is anticipated, and mileage is reimbursed. This is a great opportunity for working people.
We are also in need of Senior Safety Team and Activity & Dining Centers/Seasons Entertainers (Do you play an instrument? Magic? Puppets?).
If you choose to volunteer with us, you will be embarking on a rewarding adventure that will have a huge impact on the older adults of Midland County! And you will join one of the finest groups of people we know our experienced, trusted and valued volunteers!
Visit us at SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer to fill out a contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.
