Celebrating the Heart of Our Community: Volunteers

As we dive into April, a month dedicated to recognizing the incredible power of volunteerism, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for each and every one of you who has dedicated your time, energy and heart to our cause.

April 21-27 marks National Volunteer Week, which was started 50 years ago, just like CICOA! We’re gearing up for our very own community service event on April 27, where we’ll be sprucing up the yards of our beloved seniors.

Making a Difference: The Profound Impact of Volunteers

Volunteers are the heartbeat of CICOA. You bring life to our mission, turning words into actions and dreams into realities. Each hour you spend, each smile you share, and each hand you lend adds immeasurable value to the lives of those we serve. Whether you’re planting flowers, delivering pet food or lending a listening ear, your contribution is invaluable.

I often find myself in awe of the collective power of our volunteers. Individually, your efforts may seem small, but when combined, they create a tidal wave of change. You embody the spirit of community, showing us that together, we can achieve anything. It’s like the old saying goes: “Many hands make light work.” And boy, do we have some bright spirits in our midst!

Our upcoming Safe at Home yard clean-up event for seniors is a chance for us to come together as a community, roll up our sleeves and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have given so much to us. Our seniors have paved the way for the vibrant community we enjoy today, and it’s our honor to give back to them in this small but meaningful way.

To all those who have already signed up to volunteer for the event, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your commitment to serving others is truly inspiring, and we couldn’t do it without you. And to those who are still considering joining us, there’s no time like the present! Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or a first-timer, there’s a place for you in our family. Sign up here.

The Ripple Effect: Benefits of Volunteering

But volunteering isn’t just about the impact you have on others; it’s also about the profound effect it has on you. There’s something magical that happens when we step outside of ourselves and lend a helping hand. We find purpose, connection and a sense of belonging that is truly unparalleled.

Research has shown that volunteering can have numerous benefits for individuals, including improved mental and physical health, increased happiness and life satisfaction, and even a longer lifespan. It’s a win-win situation: not only are you making a difference in the lives of others, but you’re also reaping the rewards yourself.

Volunteer Opportunities with CICOA

If you’re looking for ways to get involved and lift up others in our community, check out some of CICOA’s volunteer opportunities:

• Senior Buddies: Connect with a senior in need of companionship through regular phone calls or in-person visits. You can also accompany a senior to the grocery store or doctor.
• Pet Connect: Have a love for animals? Pick up pet food and supplies from our community partners and deliver tail-wagging joy to seniors’ doorsteps.
• Produce for Better Health: Help seniors get fresh fruits and vegetables at one of our local meal sites. Celebrate their wins with them as you help track their weight and blood pressure.
• Safe at Home events: Gather a group and join us to spruce up yards and install home modifications at seniors’ homes. We have one event in the spring and one in the fall.
• Group projects, board committees, fundraising events and more: Let’s find the best way for you to make a difference for seniors and people with disabilities in our community! If you have the passion, we can match you with a purposeful volunteer activity.

Keep the goodness going and get involved! I promise you won’t regret it. Thanks again to you, our dear volunteers, for being the heart and soul of our community. Your light shines bright, illuminating the path for us all.

Tauhric Brown

As President and CEO, Tauhric Brown uses his strategic vision and experience in the elderly and disability service industry to expand CICOA services and collaborative partnerships to better meet the needs of the vulnerable populations we serve. Before joining CICOA, Brown served as the chief operating officer for Senior Services, Inc. in Kalamazoo, Mich. His career started in the U.S. Army, and then he became a successful owner/operator for a multi-carrier wireless retail company. Inspired by his family and upbringing, he made the switch to the nonprofit world to fulfill his dream of improving the lives of others.