by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Joe Page has been volunteering for Senior Services for almost 3 years as a Sanford Meals on Wheels driver and as a member of the Senior Safety Team. He has been chosen as our Volunteer of the Month for September. Joe heard about our volunteer opportunities from a friend who invited him to do a Meals on Wheels ride-along. He originally signed up for that opportunity but quickly added the Senior Safety Team. Joe explained, “When I was living in Texas, the church I belonged to had a handyman program for their members that I was a part of. It was an easy transition for me to do both.” Zack Greening, Senior Safety Team Coordinator, says, “Joe is a very qualified, dependable and easy to work with member of the Senior Safety Team. He provides quality work and often tackles some of the more difficult safety jobs assigned. Clients are always very pleased with the results and further builds their trust in Senior Services and what we have to offer. Joe calls with any questions he may have or to discuss certain details about the job assigned. He is a great asset to Senior Services and we definitely appreciate all that he does!” The Senior Safety Team volunteers assist Midland County older adults in keeping their homes safe and secure. They install smoke detectors, change light bulbs, put up grab bars, etc. – all tasks that make homes safer and more secure.
Joe was born and raised in Michigan. He worked for Dow for 39 years. His career took him to Texas for 11 years, Saudi Arabia for over 2 years and he has traveled to 23 countries. He has 1 daughter, 3 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild due next month. He says, “Both volunteer roles are very satisfying. Clients are very appreciative. I have lived a blessed life and it is great to give back. Volunteering is fun and people should just try it!”
Dawn Powell, Sanford Center Manager, states, “Joe is a great guy, willing to help out whenever he can! He cares about the folks on the Meals on Wheels routes and is always ready to lend a hand when needed.” She jokes, “Nothing bothers Joe, not rain, sleet, or snow. He would drive on snow days if he could! He is just a great addition to the Sanford Family. He is a wonderful driver, smart and handy. Joe has even fixed little things for me like remotes.”
Meals on Wheels helps older adults live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes by providing nutritious, well-balanced meals. Clients can find comfort in knowing that a good meal and a friendly face will come with every visit. Every Meals on Wheels client is connected with a Care Coordinator. They work in partnership with each older adult and their family to take the guesswork out of identifying needs and coordinating services such as Meals on Wheels or the Senior Safety Team plus any of the other wonderful services that we offer. If you are interested in either of these services or others that we offer, please call Senior Services at (989) 633-3700. To get started volunteering please contact Allison at (989) 633-3741.
Thank you, Joe, for your dedication to the older adults of Midland County, and congratulations on being chosen as Volunteer of the Month!
