by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Tracy Perry has been chosen for the December Volunteer of the Month for her outstanding contributions to the Health Benefits Assistance program. Tracy has been volunteering with Senior Services since July 2021. Tracy explains, “My husband Steve delivers Meals on Wheels and I knew there were other volunteer opportunities available. The Health Benefits Assistance program was a good fit.” Tracy retired from Dow in 2020 where she worked in the finance and insurance department. She completed a statewide certification training in Medicare and Medicaid in the spring of 2021. She then shadowed current volunteers and was able to see clients on her own starting later that summer. Barb Zebley-Oldani, Director of the Health Benefits Assistance Program says, “Tracy is dedicated and hard working. She is caring, compassionate and goes the extra mile when explaining the options to Medicare beneficiaries. Tracy works hard to learn and keep up with changes in Medicare.” When asked why she continues to volunteer, Tracy elaborated, “Volunteering is viewed as something you do for others but it is actually the reverse. It is one of the best things you can do for your well-being and maintain your mental acuity. Volunteering at Senior Services is incredibly rewarding. It is a privilege to help older adults understand the complexities of Medicare and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.”
The Health Benefits Assistance program can take the guesswork out of what health benefits are best for you. Whether it is Medicare, Medicare Part D prescription plans or Social Security Extra Help, Senior Services can lend a hand in wading through the abundance of health benefit choices at no cost to you! We will help you make sense of programs like Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans. Start by calling our Health Benefits Assistance Hotline at 989-633-3748 to be matched with a volunteer.
Tracy has also been a volunteer for our COVID/Flu vaccine clinics. She is always willing to help whenever she can! Tracy explains, “My parents, Katie and Thayre Talcott are in their 90s and are still volunteering. I had very good role models.” Tracy was born and raised in Midland and returned after college. She has been married to her husband Steve for 37 years and they have 2 grown children and 2 granddaughters. Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and traveling. Tracy currently works part-time at the Allen Foundation. She sits on the Board of Directors at Family and Children’s Services and is very involved at her church, Memorial Presbyterian.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Allison Rossi Utter at (989) 633-3741. We have many opportunities available. Thank you Tracy for your continued service to the older adults in Midland County and congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Month!
We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is always in need of volunteers. 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! We hope you’ll consider joining our community of experienced, trusted and valued volunteers.
Our current areas of greatest need are:
- Transportation Drivers – Our volunteer drivers provide “arm to lean on” door-to-door service throughout the entire county of Midland making it easier for older adults to get to doctor’s appointments, a ride to the grocery store, and more.
- Friendly Visitors/Shopping Volunteers – Visit, call, shop and more for an older adult in need. This is a great opportunity for working people and is flexibly scheduled.
- Senior Safety Team – Assist older adults in keeping their homes in a safe and secure condition by performing jobs and services. Time commitment would be 2-4 work requests per month. Mileage is reimbursed.
- Meals on Wheels in Greendale and Coleman routes – Routes available M-F from 10 am-1 pm. Mileage is reimbursed and you’ll receive a FREE lunch!
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.
