As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded of the joy that comes from giving—not just gifts, but time, talents, and compassion. At Brio Living Services, volunteering is woven into the fabric of what we do, bringing residents, team members, and the community together to enrich lives in meaningful ways.

 

From collecting stamps for Wounded Veterans to crafting blankets for local shelters, our team members and residents embody the spirit of giving year-round. This season, their efforts take on an even deeper significance.

 

Every act of volunteering tells a story. In Chelsea Retirement Community Assisted Living, residents collect and wash toys for The Priceless Store and partner with groups like the Material Girls to raise funds for Faith in Action in Chelsea. This year alone, the Material Girls helped raise $8,000 for Faith in Action. Volunteering not only meets community needs but also gives residents a sense of purpose and connection.

 

At The Cedars of Dexter, residents actively support Faith in Action by shopping for the food pantry a couple of times a month. Some residents take it a step further, volunteering to pack or distribute food at the pantry and offering help wherever needed. This holiday season, they’ve embraced the spirit of giving by adopting families and shopping for them to bring comfort and happiness during the holidays.

 

For team members, volunteering extends beyond the workplace. Nicole Maag, Chief of Residential Services, shares how her team embraces service during the holidays—cooking meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House, making meals at the Kids Food Basket, and preparing donations at Feeding America. “The selflessness of volunteering develops an empathy and a wider lens in which to view the world,” says Nicole. “I believe giving your time and talent is a responsibility of those who can and it’s just as impactful to the volunteer as it is for those receiving the support.”

 

Team members from Brio Living Services also gathered from across the state to honor our country in remembrance of 9/11. Through our sponsorship with the nonprofit 9/11 Day, we came together at Wayne State University to pack meals for those in need. In a collective effort nationally, with 25,000 other volunteers, 8.7 million meals were packed for families and individuals in need.

 

“When we are able to give back to others, we not only have a sense of purpose and meaning, but we also help to limit isolation, depression levels decrease, and a higher sense of self-confidence is felt,” says Maegan Garlock, Director of Lifestyle and Wellness at Porter Hills Village. Residents find meaningful ways to engage, such as crafting tie blankets for children in need, reading stories to preschoolers, or offering to rock infants at Generations Child Development Center, located on the Porter Hills Village campus. Others pursue passions like leading card-making groups, volunteering at local food pantries, or serving as docents at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

 

At Brio Living Services, volunteering spans generations and passions. From escorting residents to events to organizing intergenerational activities, opportunities abound to build connections and make a difference. As Kori Rochefort, Life Enrichment Manager for Glazier Commons, shared, “Volunteering gives purpose to our residents’ lives. They’ve always done for others, and that feeling doesn’t go away.”

 

Mary Robertson, Volunteer and IL Services Coordinator, sees the transformative impact of volunteers every day. At Chelsea Retirement alone we saw 100+ volunteers, many of whom are residents within the campus, make a difference for others over the past year. Whether it’s reading to residents, assisting with activities, or offering companionship, volunteers make Brio Living Services a warm, welcoming place to call home.

 

This season, we invite you to share the joy of giving and create meaningful connections that brighten lives. Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to explore ways to get involved. You’ll find everything you need to get started as a volunteer here.

 

Together, let’s continue to enrich lives, one act of kindness at a time. Wishing you Happy Holidays from all of us at Brio Living Services.