Donor-Advised and QCD Funds for Charitable Giving Making an Impact

A growing number of donations to AgeWell Services of West Michigan and other nonprofit organizations come directly from donors’ investment accounts. Changes in tax laws in recent years have given some donors considerable tax advantages using donor-advised funds and gifts made directly from some investment accounts. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) In 2021, donors gave $45.7 billion…

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Heels for Meals & More was Outstanding!

To say the 8th Heels for Meals & More fundraising event was amazing would be an understatement. It was an absolute blast and definitely knocked our socks and shoes off! On Saturday, April 22, over 260 guests joined AgeWell Services of West Michigan to raise critical funds to support adults 60 and older in Muskegon,…

Unprecedented Need: Rising Costs, Increased Demand and Shrinking Funds Means Some Seniors Waiting for Services

This is the story of two seniors. These women, aged 78 and 86, live alone and have trouble fixing meals to keep their nutrition levels where they should be. Both women suffered from being underweight and malnourished. Both women called to request Meals on Wheels, and that is where the similarities end. For Doris Hagood,…

Making Wishes Come True

Many of us wish for things we would like to have or have happen. AgeWell Services’ Wish Lists are tangible items to help us support adults 60 and over. Generous donors have funded many wishes and made dreams come true. Since 2016, $38,017 has been donated to fund 24 wishes. From home delivered meals for…

Spring 2023 Letter from the Director

The predictions all look grim. Demand for services is increasing dramatically, and we are burning through our funding faster than expected. For a service nonprofit like us, that means we could be forced to turn away people who need food, who need transportation, who need US! Imagine having to tell you grandmother at the family…

Ways to Make Cooking Easier

We all face our own challenges. For some, cooking may be difficult. While some people may need a program like Meals on Wheels to help them get the nutrition they need, others may just need to make some adjustments to make cooking easier and safer in your home. There are many helpful ideas to make…

DTE Energy Holiday Meal: An Extra Special Year!

This was an EXCITING year for the annual DTE Energy Holiday Meal! The event took place on Thursday, December 15. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic during which the utmost caution was used, we were able to host a more traditional holiday meal at nine Lunch & Activity Centers in Muskegon and…

Feeding Seniors: AgeWell Services of West Michigan Provides so Much More Than a Meal

A big part of AgeWell Services mission is to keep adults 60 and over nourished. That means creating and delivering more than 261,057 meals and 69,250 more to meal sites across three counties each year. The 12-month average is 27,525 meals each month. It’s a herculean task! Each meal starts with rigorous nutritional standards to…

DTE Energy Holiday Meal: An Extra Special Year!

The annual DTE Energy Holiday Meal was extra EXCITING this year because we could finally host adults 60 and over in our dining areas! The event took place on Thursday, Dec. 15. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able host a more traditional holiday meal at nine Lunch & Activity…

Be Prepared for Emergencies!

It is that time of year in Michigan where snowy weather can hit hard, making it difficult for our staff and our drivers for our Meals on Wheels and Lunch & Activity Center programs to be on the road. There are times that AgeWell Services may have to close and we want you to be…

Establishment and Growth of the Aging Network Part 4 – Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and Conclusion

Founded in 1973, AgeWell Services of West Michigan’s mission invites adults 60 and older to redefine their age. We provide vital connections to keep one of our most vulnerable populations nourished, active, learning and living independently. In the first three blog posts of this four-part series, we learned about the Older Americans Act (OAA) and…

Finding Discount Meals for Seniors

Food costs are up. They rose 11.4% from August 2021 to August 2022. That hits everyone hard but it is even harder for seniors on a fixed income. There are options available for West Michigan seniors to find discount meals. Senior Discounts at Local Restaurants When you are out at a restaurant, ask if there…

“Delivering Hope” Raises Funds for Seniors During a Season of Bounty

Maybe you saw a signed card at your grocery store. Maybe the cashier was wearing a pin that said “Ask Me About Delivering Hope.” Maybe you were asked to make a donation as you entered a store in exchange for a button. What exactly is Delivering Hope? Delivering Hope is a way for people to…

Establishment and Growth of the Aging Network Part 2 – Administration on Aging (AoA)

Founded in 1973, AgeWell Services of West Michigan’s mission invites adults 60 and older to redefine their age. We provide vital connections to keep one of our most vulnerable populations nourished, active, learning and living independently. In the first blog post of this four-part series, we learned about the Older Americans Act (OAA). OAA was…

How Do Seniors Meet Other Seniors?

One of the most difficult aspects of aging can be the loneliness. Friends and family pass or move away, severing our social connections. Loneliness can be as dangerous for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. There are ways to connect with others. Technology can help us connect with friends and family who don’t…

Establishment and Growth of the Aging Network Part 1 – The Older American Act (OAA)

Founded in 1973, AgeWell Services of West Michigan’s mission invites adults 60 and older to redefine their age. We provide vital connections to keep one of our most vulnerable populations nourished, active, learning and living independently. In this four-part series, we’re going to take you through a journey of the key legislations, networks and agencies…

7th Heels for Meals & More: A Resounding Success!

After a two-year hiatus, the 7th Heels for Meals & More was an unparalleled success for people who attended and for the aging adults who will be served by the money raised. More than $68,410 was raised, including a $10,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor. “It was so amazing to see all the people…

Lessons I Learned From My Mom Brought Me to AgeWell

With Mother’s Day over the weekend, I naturally began to think about my mom and what I have learned from her over the years. My mom was a teacher who taught elementary school for over 30 years. She cared for every one of her students as if they were her own. I’m still amazed that…

Your Parents Knew What They Were Talking About

Parents give great advice. Our parents raised us to make good decisions in life. Can you remember some of the important words of wisdom that your parents gave you? One of the phrases I’m sure you heard was: “Eat your vegetables!” Some of you may remember when you couldn’t leave the table until you cleaned…