Dear AgeWell Services of West Michigan volunteers,
As we kickoff 2022 National Volunteer Week, we want to thank all of our volunteers.
Thank you for your decades-long support.
The idea and act of volunteerism is centuries old. For AgeWell Services, we have relied on volunteer support to provide vital connections to keep older adults nourished, active, learning and living independently in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties since 1973. As we’ve grown, our volunteer force has also grown. Since FY1718 (Oct 1, 2017 – Sep 30, 2018) to FY2021 (Oct 1, 2020 – Sep 30, 2021), our volunteer force has grown by 60%. And to think we’re still in need of volunteers to reach full capacity. Wow!
Thank you for your time.
Figuring out what to fit in one day can be really challenging. For you to spend time volunteering with us, even if it’s hard to find the time, means more than we can express for our participants and our communities. In four years, between FY1718 and FY2021, total volunteer hours donated was 59,266. This is a monetary amount of $1,544,254 (value based on year determined by Independent Sector).
Thank you for riding out these last few years with us.
With a record number of volunteers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support many facets of our organization, we couldn’t have kept going without our volunteers. We know how hard those times were (and still are). During these rollercoaster years, our heart has been filled with such warmth by how many have stepped up when they heard our need.
Simply said – thank you.
It is truly difficult to come up with adequate words to describe how grateful we are for our volunteers. Giving of yourself is truly valuable, not only for the people and organization served, but also for you, the volunteer. For every 10 people that watch, only one person comes forward to help. Our volunteers make a priceless impact on our community. Your dedication is vital to keeping our programs running.
As we reflect on our time with our volunteers, it is easy to believe in angels. The unity of passion and compassion is a rare gift, but we see it shining through each and every one of our volunteers.
To our volunteers, thank you.
Warmly,
Jessica, Jenny and the entire AgeWell Services team
“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.”
Helen Dyer, Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife
