by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Janet House has been chosen as Senior Services’ January Volunteer of the Month for her outstanding service as a Friendly Visitor. A Friendly Visitor must have a sincere commitment to assist older adults. Our Friendly Visitors and Shoppers provide a very special service. They give social support and help older adults maintain their independence. Amy Shears, Care Coordinator comments, “Janet does all of this, and we are fortunate to have her as a volunteer.” Janet explains, “I started volunteering because my mother-in-law received Meals on Wheels in Clare County. I knew how important those meals were to her. Besides delivering her a meal, the volunteers became her friends. They always checked on her to make sure she was doing well. They took good care of her.”
Janet has been serving as a volunteer since February of 2020. She recalls her first time volunteering, “I started right before the pandemic. I was able to meet with my client once before everything shut down. Instead of face-to-face visits, I called her on the phone weekly. It wasn’t the same as meeting in person.” Eventually Janet was able to resume visits with that client and then in June of 2023 got paired with a new client. Her new client says, “I look forward to seeing Janet every week. We go shopping, out to lunch and on walks together. She makes me feel safe.” Her client’s care partner comments, “It is the highlight of my sister’s week. I’m not sure what she would do without Janet’s visits.”
Many older adults are looking for a companion to be a friendly visitor or to assist them with shopping. Visits are tailored to the needs of the client along with the interest and availability of the volunteer. The volunteer visits the client, providing social support in order that they might maintain their social, mental and physical well-being. The Friendly Visitor may also participate in activities of shared interests such as reading or playing cards. Usually, one to two hours per week is anticipated, and mileage is reimbursed.
Janet is originally from Ithaca and moved to Midland in 1980 for her husband, John’s job with Dow Corning. She was married for 49 years before John passed away in 2018. Janet has 4 children and 7 grandchildren. She was an elementary teacher. She enjoys the outdoors, yardwork, riding her bicycle and walking her 9-year-old Golden Retriever, Lilly. Janet also volunteers at her church.
If you are interested in becoming a Friendly Visitor or Shopper volunteer, please contact Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer Manager at (989) 633-3741. If you would benefit from receiving a Friendly Visitor or Shopper or any other services we provide, please contact (989) 633-3700.
Thank you, Janet, for your volunteer spirit; we really appreciate your continued dedication. Congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Month!
WELCOME New Volunteers
Shannon Decator
Pat Foster
Joshua Jones
Dave Jozwiak
Sarah Miller
Lori Moore
Kolleen Smith
Scott Smith
David Vines
Kevin Wing
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, 1-2 hours/week.
- 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.
