Stories of Service

Verna Emmendorfer has been a senior companion volunteer for the past 11 years. She has been at MMI since April, and previously spent time at the Mt. Pleasant Center until it closed down this past year. Verna believes volunteering has been a learning experience, both for her and the people she works with. “I know that they’re learning, just like I am,” Emmendorfer said. “I’m 72 and I’m still learning.” Verna works with the developmentally disabled, helping them eat lunch as well as taking them to the recreation center. She believes that working with this population requires an essential skill. “The secret is patience,” she said. “If you don’t have patience you’ll have nothing.” Verna says she feels her purpose in life is helping those who are less fortunate. She also feels the act of volunteering is helpful for her as well. Her daughters have moved away, and her participation as a senior companion helps to keep her active and independent. “My goal in life is helping others,” Verna said. “But it’s not only helping them, it’s helping me as well. It’s helpful for me to keep alert and out of the house.”