3 minute read
Marsh, Marsh, Marsha
Marsha, Marsha, Marsha
By Will Barrett and Jennifer Verzuh
Meals on Wheels volunteer takes joy in giving back to community
While Marsha Evans is technically providing a service to others through her volunteer work, she says she gets just as much out of the experience. “It makes you feel good, and the people that you serve appreciate it,” she said. Evans has been helping with the Meals on Wheels program at the Bozeman Senior Center for just about four years. She previously assisted with the Meals on Wheels program in Cincinnati before moving to the area. “It’s just something that always interested me,” Evans said. “It generally is elderly people and disabled people that I deliver meals to, and it just seemed like something helpful and something that I wanted to do.” She enjoyed her volunteer experience so much in Ohio that she knew she wanted to continue volunteering after relocating to Bozeman full-time, and said she really values and appreciates the Bozeman Senior Center and the work they do. “I think they do a great job. They’re helpful to the entire community,” Evans said. “Their return is just the satisfaction that they get from helping others, mainly seniors, and that’s beneficial and makes everybody else feel good about the community.” Despite
the low {numbers of volunteers at the Bozeman Senior Center, Kristi Wetsch, a coordinator for them, said the Meals on Wheels program is, “better than the mail!” On a recent afternoon, 75-yearold Evans was out on her route to deliver meals. Though it was a bright and warm day, volunteers will do their routes no matter the weather or circumstances. Evans remembers each driveway to be cautious with in the winter, recalling some scary moments from years past. She even remembers which recipients prefer what food and drink, and } has built a relationship with each of the recipients on her route. She cares about everyone she sees on the routes, and takes the time to chat with each one and check in on them. One of the many community members on Evans’ route, was overjoyed to see her on that day. “My favorite part is definitely having contact with the different people. I like that one-on-one experience,” Evans said. “[And] they like to have someone to talk to and share some part of their lives [with], so that I very much enjoy.” Having worked in nursing, she is comfortable devoting time to each recipient to chat and see how they are doing. Evans has specialized experience working with those in need of a little extra assistance. However, you hardly need any special training or experience to volunteer. “I would say it definitely is a way to help out your community [and] it makes you feel good,” Evans said. “[It’s nice to] do something that gives back.” Besides Meals on Wheels there are several non-profit organizations in Bozeman that rely on volunteers. One such organization that also involves connecting and caring for others is Brienders. Befrienders was
Photos by Will Barrett
founded in 1993 and, “provides companionship, support, and advocacy for the senior population throughout Gallatin Valley.” The opportunities to volunteer in the Gallatin Valley are many though. From youth empowerment organizations to social and environmental justice awareness programs, the Gallatin Valley nonprofit community is as diverse as it is charitable.
Big Sky Youth Empowerment, or BYEP aims to provide opportunities for teenagers in the Gallatin Valley to experience success; and Eagle Mount, founded in 1982, which is an organization, “committed to provide[ing] quality adaptive recreation and sport opportunities for people with disabilities and young people impacted by cancer, and to provide support for families of participants.”
A Note from the Editor:
Do you know a senior who should be featured in a future edition of prime? Email your suggestions to Karen E. Davis at kdavis@belgrade-news.com.
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