by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager

Carol Humbyrd is the Volunteer of the Month for September. Carol has been volunteering for Senior Services since the 1990’s when she was asked to be on the Board of Directors. Carol explained that she “really believes in the agency’s mission” to promote and enrich the quality of life for older adults and those who care for them by collaboratively providing meaningful services and opportunities. She served on the Board while working in Public Affairs at Dow and retired in 2004 after 31 years. A year later she started delivering Meals on Wheels. Carol says, “Feeding people is a necessary basic need.” Delivering meals validated Carol’s love for the clients we serve.

She went back to work for 14 years as a Freelance Writer and began volunteering as a Transportation Driver in 2018. Trish Brown, Transportation Manager, says, “Carol is always friendly and kind to our clients. She is very conscientious of clients’ needs and concerns.” Carol shares, “Being a transportation driver is more personal. You are spending more time with clients and they become your friends.” Trish reports that “Carol drives two days a week. She is always willing to help out more when asked.” Carol has logged over 1,280 hours transporting clients.

Transportation Drivers use agency vehicles to take older adults to medical appointments within Midland County. Drivers must have a good driving record and a kind and courteous attitude toward our clients. We offer “door to door” service with an arm to lean on! If you are in need of a ride or any of the services that Senior Services offers, call (989) 633-3700.

Carol was born in Midland and for the most part has lived here all of her life. She enjoys gardening, reading, swimming and biking. She has also served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity. When Carol was asked why she continues to volunteer, she says, “It is essential to give back and help each other.”

If you are interested in helping older adults in the Midland community, contact Allison at (989) 633-3741. There are many ways you can give back and help us fulfill our mission.

Thank you, Carol, for your dedication to the older adults of Midland County. Congratulations on being chosen as Volunteer of the Month!

We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is in great need of drivers for Transportation. 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. Consider joining our Transportation Team!
We are also in need of:

• Meals on Wheels in Coleman & Greendale Twp.
  – Routes available M-F from 10 am-1 pm. Mileage is reimbursed and you’ll receive a FREE lunch!
• 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.
• Senior Safety Team
  -Provide meaningful improvements to the safety of an older adult’s home.
• Activity & Dining Centers/Seasons Entertainers
• Do you play an instrument? Magic? Puppets? Share your talents with us!

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.