The quiet impact of showing up: The value of the Senior Companion Program
By Christine Vanlandingham Sometimes the most meaningful support doesn’t arrive with fanfare. It shows up at the door on a Tuesday morning. It sits at the kitchen table. It listens. That’s the heart of the Senior Companion Program. Across our community, Senior Companions – older adult volunteers themselves – are paired with other older adults […]
Foster Grandparent volunteer finds her purpose
By Alexandra Newman One of the things I value most about my role at Area Agency on Aging is getting to tell stories about how the programs we run impact lives. Sometimes I’m interviewing a client who lives independently in their home thanks to the MI Choice Waiver program, or a caregiver who got a break thanks to a respite program, or […]
Lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need
By Alexandra Newman Knocking on the door of a stranger isn’t always the most comfortable thing. Sometimes I find myself rehearsing what I’m going to say in my head the entire way there, “Hi, I’m Alexandra from Area Agency on Aging and I’m just dropping off this care package to spread some holiday cheer!” My anxiety is eased every single time when I’m greeted by a smiling […]
From Support to Solutions: Resources for a Dignified, Independent Life – July 19, 2025
By Christine Vanlandingham At a local hair salon this past weekend, a conversation floated across the room—one that’s becoming increasingly common. A woman in the chair across the way was sharing her struggle to care for her aging mother, who has mild cognitive impairment and needs nursing home-level care for her physical needs. “She doesn’t […]
Find purpose in retirement through volunteerism – June 14, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg One retired acquaintance told me she planned to go find at least a part time job because she was “crawling the walls” at home. She asked me how I liked retirement. I love it, but it took a deliberate journey to reinvent oneself. Within a span of 18 months, I was widowed […]
Grandma Mary celebrates over 20 years in the classroom – Alexandra Newman – Nov. 2, 2024
You wouldn’t think an 84-year-old would want to get up and go to school every day, but that’s just what Mary Rimpson of Benton Harbor does. This summer, she was recognized for 21 years of service as a Foster Grandparent volunteer serving in Benton Harbor Area Schools. “The students are lovely. I hardly miss a […]