One of the reasons some people join volunteer groups or charity organizations is because of a personal experience.
For Chelsea's Wendy Broshar, joining the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Great Lakes Chapter Board of Directors is personal. Very personal.
And when it's personal, it means a stronger conviction. A stronger connection to the cause. A stronger understanding of what both victim and those close to the victim are going through.
"My mom passed away six years ago and we didn't even realize what services were available to us," said Broshar, who will serve a two-year term on the board of directors. "Alzheimer's is a crippling, painfully private disease that people suffer through. It's a disease that effects people differently."
The Alzheimer's Association is a national, voluntary health organization with the dual mission to advance Alzheimer's research, and to enhance the quality of life of those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
The Alzheimer's Association Michigan Great Lakes Chapter serves a 23-county region of Michigan. The association offers a wealth of community programs and services designed to meet the needs of those with Alzheimer's, family members, care partners and the public.
Volunteers significantly enhance the association's ability to provide effective services. More than 500 volunteers contribute their time and talent each year in program services, advocacy, fundraising to support programs and research, and in operational support.
Broshar said her personal experience was even more difficult because her mother wasn't living near her at the time.
"My mom was living in Iowa and I couldn't do the hands-on things that need to be done everyday," she said. "There were services available in some areas, but not in others. It was very difficult and it took me awhile before I could even talk about it."
Now she is doing more than talking.
"The Alzheimer's Association is a vital resource for people with Alzheimer's disease, their family members, and caregivers, and I am honored to be invited to join the board," Broshar said. "An estimated 44,000 people with Alzheimer's disease live in the 23 counties served by the Michigan Great Lakes Chapter – more than 3,000 of these individuals live in Washtenaw County alone. I am energized by the opportunity to work with an agency that provides help and hope to so many in our community."
And the board is glad to have Broshar on board.
"Wendy is a concerned community leader who is keenly aware of the challenges families face in dealing with Alzheimer's disease," said Elizabeth Longley, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter. "She is passionate about our cause and truly committed to helping us realize our vision of a world without Alzheimer's. We are honored to have her on our board.
"Her outstanding leadership skills and extensive community involvement will help us tremendously as we work to expand and enhance the high quality services we provide to families affected by Alzheimer's."
Broshar has more than 20 years of volunteer leadership experience in arts programming, financial reporting, marketing and administration. She was a member of the Chelsea Center for the Arts board of directors for six years, serving as board president from 2000-2001. Currently, she serves as assistant treasurer for the Center. Broshar's community involvement also extends to her recent membership on the Advisory Board for the Ann Arbor Book Festival and her work as a volunteer for Chelsea and Stockbridge public schools.
Broshar said she enjoys volunteering and welcomes others to join her.
"You not only are helping people, but you get to meet some great people and I have made a lot of friends," she said. "You are contributing to your community and I think that's important."
For more information, the groups Web site (www.alzmigreatlakes.org) offers comprehensive information about Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer research and advocacy initiatives, and information about chapter services and current programs. Visitors to the Web site can donate online, register for programs and Memory Walk, and learn about volunteer opportunities.
The Alzheimer's Association
The following are chapter programs of The Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.
Helpline information and referral
Trained volunteers and staff provide callers with information, referral to community resources, and one-on-one support through the toll-free Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unlimited follow-up calls for on-going support are available to families who request this service. To reach the chapter office nearest you, call 800 272 3900.
Support groups
Led by trained facilitators, these groups offer caregivers a safe, confidential and supportive environment, practical caregiving strategies and the opportunity to share experiences. Specialized groups are available for male caregivers and those in the early stages of the disease.
Care consultation
A range of consultation services are available. The professional staff offers intensive telephone consultation, walk-in and scheduled appointments at all offices, and scheduled appointments at off–site locations in all regions. Consultations include supportive listening, problem solving and assessment, development of action plans, referrals to community resources and follow-up.
Education
Understanding Alzheimer's introductory education programs are scheduled regularly throughout the service area offering information on warning signs, understanding the diagnosis, changes in the brain, care-giving issues and community resources. Intensive workshops for caregivers provide in-depth information on a variety of topics, including challenging behaviors, communication, home safety, financial and legal planning, and more.
Safe-return program
A nationwide identification program to assist in the safe and timely return of memory impaired individuals who are lost.
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