by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Eva Callison has been chosen as Senior Services’ Volunteer of the Month for October for her outstanding service as a Friendly Visitor/Shopper.
Our Friendly Visitors and Shoppers provide a very special service to our clients. They give social support and/or shopping assistance to older adults in Midland County. Like all of our services and opportunities, it helps older adults maintain their independence. As a Friendly Visitor you need to be helpful, caring and trusting. Eva does all of this and more! We are very fortunate to have her as a volunteer.
Eva has been serving as a volunteer since November of 2014. “I started volunteering because I wanted to help people,” says Eva, “I completed a volunteer questionnaire about my interests and it matched me to Senior Services. It looked like the right opportunity for me.” Eva has been matched with at least 4 clients over the years. She reports, “I enjoy meeting people. Clients are very grateful for my assistance.”
Eva is originally from Lake Orion, Michigan. She and her husband of 58 years, Dennis, moved to Midland in 2011. They have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Eva worked for an attorney for 30 years and also for the County of Ottawa. She enjoys reading, biking, traveling and camping.
“Eva should be Volunteer of the YEAR!” exclaims one of her clients. “She is a blessing. Eva is always patient, kind and understanding. She is willing to help in many ways and always encourages us with the generosity of her time and with friendly conversation. We are so thankful for Eva.”
Many older adults are looking for someone to be a friendly visitor or to assist them with shopping. Visits are tailored to the needs of the client and 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. If you are interested in this, or other services, contact Senior Services at (989) 633-3700. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Friendly Visitor or Shopper, call Allison at (989) 633-3741.
Thank you, Eva, for your time as a Friendly Visitor and for your continued devotion to your clients! Congratulations on being chosen as the October Volunteer of the Month!
We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is in great need of drivers for Meals on Wheels in Greendale Twp. 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. - Crafty Volunteer
– We are looking for someone that likes creative and crafty assignments. The Senior Services Bulletin boards are in need of a refresh!
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.
