The Work Goes On

“The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.” -Edward Ted Kennedy, US Senator.

The quote by Edward Ted Kennedy inspires us on National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week is from April 21-28^th. It is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week focuses national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic leadership (Points of Light, 2013).

In honor of National Volunteer Week, the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Michigan Chapter (GMC) would like to recognize two volunteers.

Sue Ethridge, a resident of Oakland County and long time volunteer to the Alzheimer's Association-GMC of 26 years is ending her service. She first volunteered at this non-profit organization in 1987 assisting with data entry for administration support. Sue said “I love playing around with computers. It’s something I love and I am always happy to help the people at the Alzheimer's Association out. You see, what brought me to volunteering at the Alzheimer's Association was because a member of my family was affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This cause is very close to my heart. Each day while I helped the people at the Association out, I was making a difference, feeling useful.”

Dennis Miller, a resident of Royal Oak is now a new volunteer to the Alzheimer's Association-GMC. “I was a caregiver for my mother, and that helped me make-up my mind to help in this worthy cause.” He said in the future he “anticipates to learn more about Alzheimer's and to meet more people like the one’s I work with now. So far what I love about volunteering with this organization are the people, the work and the experience.” Dennis is currently volunteering with the special events department at the Association.

The Alzheimer's Association-GMC volunteers consist of family members, former caregivers, students, retirees and the general public. In 2012, the Alzheimer's Association-GMC, utilized over 900 volunteers to facilitate their programs, services and special events. In 2012, the volunteers provided approximately 12,933 hours of service as support group leaders, helpline counselors, speakers, direct care workers and special event workers with a total dollar value of approximately $266,807.00.

The Alzheimer's Association needs volunteers for: Clerical, Data Entry, Direct Care, Harry L. Nelson Helpline, Health Fairs, Special Events, and Support Groups.

The Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter, founded in 1981, is a private, non-profit, voluntary health organization and one of over 70 chapters across the United States. The Greater Michigan Chapter is headquartered in Southfield, with regional offices in Alpena, Flint, Grand Rapids, Marquette, Midland and Traverse City and covers 60 counties. Services are available to more then 140,000 individuals and their families who have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The Alzheimer's Association’s vision is a world without Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Please call the Alzheimer's Association Harry L. Nelson Helpline to learn how you can volunteer and do good. Call 1-800-272-3900

http://www.alz.org/gmc/in_my_community_14024.asp#volunteer