by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager

Janelle Steckley is being honored as February’s Volunteer of the Month for her work as a Meals on Wheels driver in Coleman. Janelle started volunteering with her husband, Paul in the spring of 2017. Janelle explained, “Paul started delivering meals first. He would drive and I would get out and deliver them to the clients.” She took some time off to care for him, prior to him passing in 2019. After retiring in November 2020, she decided she needed to come back and volunteer. Janelle says, “When I came back, I was given the same route I had helped my husband with. It is a lovely drive, an out county route.” Tracey Wright, Coleman Activity and Dining Center Manager states, “Janelle is Coleman’s Tuesday out of town driver. She demonstrates great compassion and empathy towards the Meals on Wheels recipients. Recently, her keen observation and quick response were crucial during a delivery. She could see the client laying on the floor inside of the house. She called 911 and EMS arrived in a timely manner.”

Meals on Wheels is more than just delivering a hot meal to older adults. Meals on Wheels is a lifeline and a safety check. It is ensuring clients are doing well and offering them some socialization. Janelle reports, “I have a blessed life and I feel strong about giving back. I get very attached to the clients. I may be the only person they see or talk to that day.”

Janelle was born and raised in Midland. Her career was always in human services. Her last job was at Bay Arenac Behavioral Health where she worked for 14 years as the Recipients Rights Advisor. Janelle has one step-son and 2 granddaughters. She enjoys keeping busy with outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. She also enjoys yoga, Tai Chi, reading and cooking. When asked how she would encourage others to volunteer, she answers, “I know there is a struggle to get volunteers. It doesn’t take much time to give back. You brighten people’s days and they are so appreciative.” Janelle further explains, “It isn’t work, its enjoyable and a fun time. I take my boyfriend along now. He drives and I deliver.”

Meals on Wheels helps older adults live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes by providing nutritious, well-balanced meals. Clients can find comfort in knowing that a good meal and a friendly face will come with each visit. Every Meals on Wheels client is connected with a Care Coordinator. A Care Coordinator works in partnership with the older adult and their family to take the guesswork out of identifying needs and coordinating services such as Meals on Wheels or any of the other wonderful services that we offer. If you are interested in these services or others that we offer, please call Senior Services at (989) 633-3700. If you are interested in becoming a Meals on Wheels driver – one of the MOST rewarding volunteer experiences ever – call Allison at (989) 633-3741!

Thank you for your years of service Janelle and congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Month!

We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is in great need of drivers for Meals on Wheels in Greendale, especially for Tuesday routes. Routes available M-F from 10 am-1 pm. Mileage is reimbursed and you’ll receive a FREE lunch! Consider joining our Volunteer Team!

We are also in need of:

• 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.
  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 team of 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.