by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Transportation driver Rosemary McFadden is our February Volunteer of the Month. Rosemary started volunteering with Senior Services as a Meals on Wheels driver in October 2016. She had been coming to the agency as a participant in the afternoon Zumba class. She recalls, “I read the need for volunteers on a bulletin board in Trailside.”
“Rosemary is full of energy and always positive,” comments Trish Brown, Transportation Manager. “She has a great attitude!” Rosemary drives all day every Friday for the Transportation department and will fill in as needed when she isn’t scheduled. She also continues to deliver Meals on Wheels on Tuesdays. “I just love Senior Services and the people here. Volunteering helps the community and myself.” boasts Rosemary when asked why she continues to volunteer for Senior Services.
Rosemary was born and raised in Midland. She married her husband, Michael O’Brien in 1988 and moved away for a while. Rosemary has lived in Arizona, California and New Mexico. They then moved back to Midland in 2013 to be closer to family. Rosemary describes herself as a “Jack of all trades.” She declared that her hardest and best job she ever had was as a Level 1 Trauma Center Nurse at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
Rosemary’s training as a nurse came in handy recently while transporting a client. She helped a client from falling in a van after picking them up from Physical Therapy. Trish says, “Rosemary is quick to think on her feet.” She assisted the client by walking up the ramp behind them, supporting their movements and requesting that they get to their knees before they fell backwards down the ramp. Rosemary was able to seek help from the Physical Therapy office, secured a wheelchair and transported the client safely home. Rosemary recalls the situation as “intense.” She also ensured that the client got into their home without injury and that someone was home to be with them.
Transportation drivers provide rides, in Senior Services vehicles, to older adults who have limited options for transportation. Our trained volunteer drivers provide friendly “arm to lean on” service throughout Midland County. Whether it’s a doctor’s office or a ride to the grocery store, we’ll get you to those places and more. Advance reservations are required and medical appointments receive top priority.
When I asked Rosemary what she would say to someone on the fence about volunteering, she said, “try it out and do a ride-along, it is a job, but not like one you are probably used to. There are many ways to volunteer, if one doesn’t work out, try another.” She concluded that, “volunteering makes me happy. The smiles you get, the appreciation and the client’s stories are simply priceless.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Allison at (989) 633-3741. For services or other information, call our main number at (989) 633-3700.
We think you are simply priceless Rosemary! Thank you for choosing Senior Services as a place to volunteer and congratulations on being nominated for February Volunteer of the Month!
