"Mike is a very nice person and did more than we asked him to do!  This was a great help to older people like us."
                                         - Lyda - ARDC client

Aging Resources wouldn't operate without our incredible volunteers.  We want to thank our many volunteers who donate their time and talent to supporting our older Douglas County adults by volunteering with ARDC.  This month's featured volunteer is Mike!  Mike has been volunteering with Aging Resources since 2018 and has volunteered in pretty much every role and capacity possible!  We are so grateful for all that Mike's done (and continues to do) to help older adults age independently and on their terms.

Get to know Mike below...

What brought you to Aging Resources of Douglas County?

As I’ve got older I feel as a society we don’t do enough for the senior population to give back to them for what they’ve done for us.  Sure there are social services, senior discounts and other things, but we can do so much for them at a time in their life that can be challenging.  When I learned about Aging Resources I really liked that their mission was to help these people continue to be independent and vibrant members of society.  I was impressed how their employees really cared for their clients, knew them personally, and took pride in serving them.  

What is a memorable experience from your time volunteering with Aging Resources?

 I first met Arnold when we started calling all of the ARDC members when the pandemic first started.  Monthly I would call him to check in and during that time I learned a lot about his experience in World War II.  He was one of the last living WWII veterans and I was fascinated by his story.   I have always had an interest in war history and he shared so many first-hand experiences with me.   

What is something you love about volunteering with Aging Resources?

​Besides meeting so many interesting people, I like to see the strength of the human spirit.  So many of these people are dealing with difficult issues, and I’ve seen how gracefully so many of them persevere through it and are content in their situation.  They continually inspire me.  

What advice would you offer to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Aging Resources?

It will be a great experience for you.  Where else can you “work” where nobody ever complains to you, you can “work” as little or as much as you want, you constantly make people happy and they always thank you, and at the end of the day, you feel like you’ve made a difference?
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What are some of your hobbies?

Golf, hiking, exercising, and traveling. 
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What is a fun fact about you?

Three mornings a week I mow the fairways at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course.  If you live there, I’m sorry for being out there so early, but we have to start before the sun rises to get done before the golfers start playing.  It’s my peaceful time in nature.  

What is something that's on your bucket list?

Going to the Master’s golf tournament (please let me know if you have any tickets.)!

Thank you Mike for volunteering with Aging Resources and helping to make a difference in the lives of our older adults!  We appreciate you!