Communities are often defined by how they care for their people. Since 1986, the Midland County Senior Millage has helped older adults remain safe, healthy, and independent. On Tuesday, August 4, Midland County voters will have the opportunity to renew this important local funding.
The Senior Millage is about much more than funding programs. It creates a network of care that helps older adults continue living safely in the homes and community they love. Through services like Meals on Wheels, transportation, Care Coordination, Home Care, home safety modifications, Seasons Adult Day Health Services, caregiver support, educational programs, and our Activity & Dining Centers, thousands of older adults and family care partners receive the support they need every day.
The impact can certainly be measured.
In 2025 alone, Senior Services prepared and delivered nearly 240,000 meals, provided more than 65,000 hours of core services, assisted nearly 2,000 individuals through Care Coordination, and welcomed more than 2,000 participants to our Activity & Dining Centers.
But the true value of the Senior Millage is found in the people behind those numbers.
Last month, we shared the story of one of our Care Coordinators who noticed the smell of natural gas during a routine home visit. Although previous inspections had found nothing, she trusted her instincts and requested another evaluation. A gas leak was discovered and repaired. Later that month, a Home Care worker and a Meals on Wheels volunteer noticed another gas odor during separate visits. Together, they alerted our team, leading to the discovery of a second leak in the home’s furnace.
It wasn’t one person who made the difference. It was a connected team of staff and volunteers looking out for someone’s safety. That kind of coordinated care happens every day because the Senior Millage supports a network of people who are there when it matters most.
Families see that impact firsthand.
One care partner whose husband attends Seasons Adult Day Health Services shared, “He’s safe there, a relief to me. And I get some respite. At home, he mostly naps. At Seasons I see his social side. The stimulation and socialization have definitely improved his quality of life.”
Another family simply said, “Seasons has meant so much to my wife and I. Her dementia progresses, but the time at Seasons has improved her social interactions and general mood. What a blessing! The staff has been outstanding! They are motivated to do this work because they really care about helping people. I see it in action. We couldn’t be happier. Seasons has provided what was missing.”
Those words speak to something that can’t always be captured in statistics. The Senior Millage provides more than services. It provides peace of mind, meaningful connections, and the opportunity for older adults to remain active, engaged, and connected to their community.
Today, nearly 31 percent of Midland County residents are age 60 or older, and that number continues to grow.
As the need for services continues to increase, renewing the Senior Millage helps ensure older adults and family caregivers will continue to have access to the support they need for years to come.
When you cast your ballot on Tuesday, August 4, you’re not simply voting on funding. You’re helping ensure that a meal is delivered, a caregiver finds support, a home remains safe, and an older adult has someone looking out for them. That’s the difference the Senior Millage makes every day.
