The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Second-generation CRC volunteer upholds church outreach mission
PUBLISHED: May 8, 2008
Each time Joyce Cook works at Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), as she does several days every week, it's natural for fond family memories to cross her mind. Cook follows her mother's footsteps by providing volunteer services that enrich lives at the landmark campus.
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Each of them - 76-year-old Cook and Fern Pittman, who passed away in 1995 at age 96 - began donating time as part of the community service outreach mission of their Ann Arbor church, West Side United Methodist. That congregation, with roots reaching back to 1847, adheres actively to John Wesley's tradition of believing "the world is our parish."
Members contribute support to senior care centers, visit shut-ins and provide other fellowship for older neighbors. For Cook, community service has involved working at CRC since 1998.
"I get back much more than I give," says the volunteer, who drives to Chelsea at least twice a week to provide manicures at the beauty salon, help vision-impaired seniors enjoy Bingo games and escort residents on shopping or sightseeing trips. "I like doing for others and hearing their life stories. I've known some so long we've become quite close - almost like having a second family."
The Michigan Association of Homes and Services for the Aging honored the retired business owner, who donates an average of 10 hours each week to CRC, as statewide Volunteer of the Year. Cook attended an awards banquet April 29 in Kalamazoo.
She is among 250 trained volunteers of all ages - including students - who help professionals deliver personalized, compassionate care that has made United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC), which operates CRC, a leader in senior living options since 1906.
"Generous volunteers are an important part of our commitment to serve seniors with dignity, warmth and compassion," says John Thorhauer, president and CEO of UMRC. "Joyce Cook is among those sharing friendship and dedication with residents and the staff members they work alongside. Together, they form a team that upholds our mission to elevate the quality of daily life."
For her part, Cook welcomes the chance to extend a family heritage. After serving as a CRC volunteer, her mother lived there in the Skilled Nursing unit from 1992-95. "She received such wonderful care," recalls the daughter. "That's part of the reason I spend time here."
Cook began volunteering a year after selling the Skate Exchange, a new and used ice skate business that she ran for 22 years in Ann Arbor while raising two daughters and a son with her husband, who died in 2006. The spry retiree, who lifts weights to keep fit, was eager to stay active and engaged with people - so a West Side United Methodist Church bulletin notice about CRC volunteer opportunities sparked interest.
In addition to on-site work, she accompanies outings to malls, community events and attractions such as Childs Place Buffalo Ranch in Hanover Township, near Jackson. "Residents got a big laugh from feeding ears of corn to those animals," recalls Cook, who also cherishes the visible pride her manicures inspire. "You can see they feel so much better," she says. "It's such a simple way to lift women's spirits."
When Cook learned that failing sight kept some men and women away from Bingo games, she brought them to the lounge and helped them mark their cards - a service that continues each week for up to five residents.
Acts of kindness that may seem simple to this decade-long volunteer are not taken for granted by recipients or administrators.
"Joyce deserves recognition because helping our residents is a passion for her," says Hazel Barr, a 12-year staff member who serves as volunteer coordinator. "She shares her time so selflessly and has a way of making each one feel special."
To learn more about United Methodist Retirement communities, contact Marie Seddon, Executive Director of the UMRC Heritage Foundation, at mseddon@umrc.com or (734) 433-1000, ext. 319. For service opportunities, contact Volunteer Coordinator Hazel Barr at ext. 433 or hazel@umrc.com.
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