by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Valerie Trabucchi is the Volunteer of the Month for July for her assistance in the Care Coordination Program. Valerie has been volunteering since 2016. Val recalls, “I learned about the need when I attended the retired teachers program that was hosted by Senior Services.” Val makes monthly client satisfaction calls for the Care Coordination Program. Barb Zebley-Oldani, Director of Care Coordination, says “Val is a great volunteer. She has strong communication skills. She quickly builds trust with clients and engages them to willingly share their feedback on services.” Feedback on services is very important for our agency as it allows us to improve and enhance our services, make better informed decisions, and allows us to build and maintain communication with our clients. Barb further explains, “Val gets clients talking. She is patient and kind. She is understanding of their situation and while she may not have all the answers to their questions, she lets them know they have been heard. She also demonstrates great sincerity, warmth and empathy for others.”
Care Coordination services allows older adults to stay independent and in their own home with our personalized service. Care Coordinators assist clients with arranging things such as community referrals, home modifications, Meals on Wheels, Medicare options, 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 for this service. Get started by calling 989-633-3700.
Val was born and raised in Oakland County. She moved to Midland in 1973 for a teaching position and stayed. She taught in the Midland Public Schools for 37 years, mainly in Special Education. Val is the Vice President for the East Mid-Michigan Education Association Retired Chapter. She arranges their monthly programs and member driven volunteer projects. She is a member of the American Association of University Women and the Midland 100 Club. When she isn’t busy volunteering, Val enjoys birding, reading and playing bridge.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about volunteer opportunities we have available, please contact Allison at 989-633-3741.
Thank you Val for your crucial assistance in the Care Coordination Program. Congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Month!