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For Good: the benefits of volunteering
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Delivering a meal and smile
Rob Kuelbs of Farmington Hills could probably attest to some of those benefits.
Before Kuelbs, 63, and his family sit down to Christmas dinner, he travels to the homes of adults age 60+ who live alone, delivering a special holiday meal with his winning smile and engaging humor. “Its heart-wrenching to know that anyone is by themselves at this time of year,” he said. “Knowing that you’ve make a difference in someone’s day is a powerful gift.”
Years ago Kuelbs’ grandmother received Meals on Wheels services and he vowed to donate time to the program when he retired. He began serving meals six years ago and then got involved delivering Holiday Meals on Wheels.
“Just last Thanksgiving one of my client’s asked why I was delivering meals instead of spending time with my family? When I told her that today she was part of my family, she cried and gave me a big hug,” Kuelb said.
The Holiday Meals on Wheels program that Kuelbs volunteers for is operated out of the Farmington Costick Center. Marsha Koet, senior
division supervisor for the City of Farmington explained, “Many of our clients do not have family in the area so the most rewarding aspect to this program is that each older adult receives a visit from a caring volunteer who delivers a special meal.” Koet noted that they make the holiday meal special by adding a salad, homemade dessert, and a small gift. “Last year a group of volunteers donated hand- quilted mats,” she said.
In addition to delivering a nutritious meal, Meals on Wheels driver-volun- teers conduct casual wellness checks of those they serve, as well as take a few minutes to visit. Who wouldn’t enjoy being the person delivering a meal and sharing a smile with a home- bound senior?
Pick something you’re passionate about
By now, you may be asking yourself how to find out where you could volunteer and what you could do. Look first in your own community where there might be a need. Ask at the senior or community center. Find out if you can help with local children’s theatre. See if you could be trained to be a docent at a museum. If you like
animals, inquire at a shelter near you to see if they need help. Start with a place or a cause you’re interested in and then make a call, or ask in person, to see if they could use your help as a volunteer.
You can also check out www.volunteermatch.org. You enter your ZIP Code and interests, and in seconds you’ll get a list of local opportunities. Have years of business experience and want to mentor some- one? Check out LinkedIn for Good at https://linkedinforgood.linkedin.com/ programs/linkedin-members.
Another good source for a variety of volunteer opportunities is Senior Corp (https://www.nationalservice.gov/ programs/senior-corps), a federal agency that has been around since 1994. Volunteers receive training and support as they select assignments best suited to their availability, talents and interests. Last year, over 8,100 Michigan residents age 55+ contributed their time and talents to this organization that consists of three volunteer programs:
• Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Volunteers can explore aspects of various careers while making network contacts, becoming part of a team,
getting to know a community and learning new skills. In 2016, RSVP participants served over 930 organizations throughout Michigan.
• Foster Grandparents Program Provides people the opportunity
to become a mentor, friend and
role model to children who have exceptional needs or have special circumstances. Last year Foster Grandparents mentored and tutored 5,400 Michigan youth.
• Senior Companion Program
Offers a chance to form lasting bonds with other seniors that are either in care facilities or homebound. The goal is to help maintain their independence through companionship and social support. Volunteers engage in a variety of activities, like playing cards, running errands, writing letters, reviewing mail, preparing meals, doing laundry, and/or providing transportation to social events/medical appointments. Last year, 2,800 homebound Michigan seniors were served by the program and helped to age in place.
Now that you know the benefits, why not consider becoming a volunteer?
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Pet friendly continued from page 1
help with the upkeep of the shelter, become pet adoption counselors or members of our online photo team, or help out with general customer service,” noted Communications Manager Anna
“Older adult volunteers help us in a number of areas within the facility.”
Chrisman. She added, “You’ll reap the health benefits associated with being around animals that include lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, stronger immune systems, overall healthier cardiac function, continued social interaction, and increased activity levels.”
Other options
If you’re able to have an animal where you live, you might want to consider participating in MHS’ animal foster program called In-Home Heroes (www.michiganhumane.org/get- involved/foster/). You supply the home and love for animals that may be too young for adoption, or others that are recovering from an injury or illness. The MHS provides the resources like
food, medical care, training and support. It’s a great option for older adults who can handle a short-term commitment backed by the support and guidance of the MHS.
It’s an investment
Don’t forget a pet is a long-term commitment and a cost. According to www.peteducation.com the price of dog ownership can run from $287 to $2,485 a year. Expenses related to having a pet cat can average $310 to $1,169 a year. And, if a pet becomes ill, costs can rise very quickly. If you are already a pet owner and ever find yourself in need of financial assistance providing care for your pet, contact MHS. They are dedicated to keeping pets at home with their owners. They can offer help with programs like their Pet Food Bank, where qualified applicants can receive free pet food and more. For details, call MHS at (855) 647-4483.
There’s also All About Animals with locations in Warren and Auburn Hills. They are a non-profit animal welfare organization, which provides free health screenings, low- or no-cost spay and neuter, low-cost vaccinations, pet adoption, temporary foster homes
for unwanted pets, and more. You can learn more about them at www.allaboutanimalsrescue.org or call (586) 879-1745.