Showing up for our neighbors
By Christine Vanlandingham Growing up in rural Indiana, I spent much of my childhood in communities where people knew one another well – often across generations. When a need arose, neighbors took action. If a family was going through a difficult season, meals appeared on the porch. If someone was recovering from surgery, the lawn […]
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 […]
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 […]
Social connections can help brain health – Jan. 18, 2025
By Lynn Kellogg An out-of-town friend recently came to visit for a couple days. Widowed just a few months ago after 50 years, we talked about the inexplicable sense of “forever gone”, a very quiet house, and finding the freedom and energy to move on. Her adult children and grandchildren stay in regular touch; some […]
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 […]
Balance classes can help prevent falls – Lynn Kellogg – Sept. 21, 2024
September 23-27, 2024 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Week. The week is a nationwide observance with state coalitions and partners to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling. We have a national average of one out of every four adults aged 65 or […]
National Nonprofit Day: Celebrating the unsung heroes of our communities – Christine Vanlandingham – Aug. 17, 2024
On Aug. 17, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, a day to honor the contributions of the nonprofit sector to our society and economy. Nonprofits are vital to our communities, providing essential services and programs that improve the lives of millions of people. They address some of the most pressing societal challenges, such as poverty, health, […]
Sometimes, all it takes is a friendly call – Alexandra Newman – March 9, 2024
About one-third of older adults in the United States live alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s about 14 million people who are in danger of becoming isolated from their communities. “While my husband is still here, I know how these people feel. I can’t do anything. I have cancer and they still haven’t […]