by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Dorothy McKenna has been chosen as January Volunteer of the month for her service as a Care Coordination volunteer. Dorothy started volunteering for Senior Services in March 2015 providing clerical support for our Home Care and Nutrition departments. Dorothy can’t recall how she started volunteering for the agency but believes she saw the need advertised. Dorothy became a Care Coordination volunteer a few years later in March of 2017. She volunteers mainly for the Project Dignity program. She sorts, bags, and labels incontinence supplies for clients. Senior Services receives incontinence supplies monthly from the Diaper Alliance. Kayla Dehmel, Care Coordination Administrative Assistant says, “It is such a pleasure working with Dorothy. She is always willing to go above and beyond in regard to the Project Dignity program. Over the past year, she has expanded her volunteer commitment with Senior Services by coming in an extra day each month and taking on additional responsibilities to keep up with the increasing demand of the Project Dignity program. I know I can depend on her each month to get the job done and I am so appreciative of the assistance she provides to this program and our clients.”
Dorothy grew up in the Alma/Shepherd area and moved to Beaverton in 1972 when she married her husband, Jerry. They had 2 sons and a daughter who are grown now. She also has two granddaughters. She and Jerry owned a few businesses in Beaverton over the years. Dorothy volunteers at her Church and at Midland King’s Daughters Home. Dorothy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, taking nature walks, reading, listening to music, going to plays, shopping, and crafting.
It’s easier to stay independent and in your own home with our personalized Care Coordination service. Care Coordinators assist clients with arranging things like community resources, home modifications, home care, Medicare options, Meals on Wheels, personal care or respite for family caregivers, and much more. A Care Coordinator works in partnership with you and your family to take the guesswork out of identifying needs and coordinating services. In an initial telephone call, we will listen to your current situation and then follow up with a visit to your home to provide an in-depth assessment and recommendations. Together, we will develop a plan and arrange services. The Care Coordinator will stay in contact, continuing to help for as long as needed. Care Coordination is for individuals 60 years of age or older and may be short-term or long term, depending on your needs. There is no charge. Get started by calling 989-633-3700.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about the volunteer opportunities we have available please call Allison at (989) 633-3741.
Thank you Dorothy for your continued service to the older adults in Midland County and congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Month!
