“I am sure I would not be here today if it was not for The Village of Westland.”
— MIKE SIEPIERSKI
“The Village of Westland Saved My Life.”
Mike Siepierski should not have made it to The Village of Westland. Three years ago, he was lying on his apartment floor praying for the ambulance to arrive in time. His life was hanging in the balance, and he needed a miracle to pull through.
Well, miracles do happen. Your donation coupled with the love and support of the residents/staff at The Village of Westland has given new life to Mike. “The Village of Westland saved my life. I am sure I would not be here today without all the love and care I receive daily from my fellow residents,” states Mike with a big smile.
Learn about Mike’s rocky path to The Village of Westland. It is an inspiring story of being knocked down and bouncing back up off the mat.
Mike was born and raised in Dearborn Heights, Michigan to a family of woodworkers. “All the way back to Poland, each one of us were woodworkers.” After graduating from high school, Mike worked with his father in their woodworking business making furniture and custom cabinetry for many years.
After his father’s passing, Mike changed careers, and that took him to South Carolina and Wisconsin to manage manufacturing plants. These jobs took a toll on his body.
Having careers that were physically demanding caused joint and hip issues. “I would use ibuprofen to dull the pain. I would eat them like candy. I needed them to get through the day.”
Using too many pain killers caused him to have digestive issues and would be the early signs of a very serious health issue that was just around the corner.
Three years ago, Mike faced a life and death event. His large intestine basically exploded because of a perforated ulcer. “I blacked out from the pain, hoping 911 would arrive in time. I thought I was a goner!”
Mike was unconscious for four days in a Wisconsin hospital. “I woke up to my sister saying lets get you back to Michigan.”
Arriving back home in Michigan but still facing multiple surgeries, Mike’s sister found PVM’s Village of Westland. “My sister loved the staff, cleanliness, and accommodations right away. I moved in, but I was still very weak and wondering how long I would live.”
Hospital bills and other expenses left Mike with very little money and lots of worry. Mike needed help fast. He had resources only for three months of housing. “Thank goodness for the Village of Westland. The staff worked with me to locate a studio apartment I could afford. Without their help I would be sleeping on someone’s couch.”
“When I came to The Village of Westland I was a mess; my intestines were sticking out of my body. The residents and staff cared for me and got me on my feet again. Their love and caring support saved my life.”
“An apartment is just an apartment. Living at Westland is far more. It’s all the people and programs here that is the magic.” The Wellness Program, exercise equipment, and amenities are all supported by donors and make life changing differences every day for residents like Mike.
Mike got healthier day by day and wanted to start giving back to The Village of Westland. He became a donor to the PVM Foundation. He joined the Campaign for the Ages Westland fundraising steering committee. He also was elected as the President of The Village of Westland Resident Council.
“I donate, volunteer, and do whatever I can. I know someone before me did these things to help save my life. I want to do the same for future residents.”
Mike was lucky to find housing he could truly afford. However, others are not this fortunate as long waiting lists are the norm for low-income housing.
Because of caring people like you, PVM is striving to bring more housing to The Village of Westland through its Campaign for the Ages Westland Project. Someone facing major challenges, just like Mike, is waiting for housing they can truly afford. Thank you for donating and making Mike’s story a happy one. Please consider donating again. It will do wonders for the next Mike.
“I donate, volunteer, and do whatever I can. I know someone before me did these things to help save my life. I want to do the same for future residents.”
—MIKE SIEPIERSKI
To make a donation, visit pvmf.org or use the reply envelope enclosed with this newsletter.
In 2021, PVM set a vision to serve 1,200 additional low-income older adults at four existing communities (Flint, Pontiac, Port Huron/Fort Gratiot & Westland). The vision was named Campaign for the Ages
The vision started as a lofty goal and concept on paper. Over $200M would be needed to make this idea come to life. $19.5M of that $200M would need to come through donations.
Fast forward to April of 2024. WOW! Things are really, REALLY taking shape. Over $13M has been raised through donations (THANK YOU). We are getting closer to the $19.5M each day.
With your thoughtful donation in hand, along with other forms of funding, PVM started down the road of constructing its vision one brick at a time. Because of your donation things are starting to take hold- buildings have been built and are being built as you read this.
The reality is here! Campaign for the Ages still needs your help…but look at what has started! Thank you for caring about an older adult in need of affordable housing!
If you are inspired to donate to the Campaign for the Ages, please do so by visiting pvmf.org/campaignfortheages or calling the PVM Foundation at 248.281.2040. The funds will do wonders.
McFarlan Villages of Flint
- completely renovating 2 buildings (included is a new commercial kitchen & dining area, with Wifi in every room!)
FRIENDS & FAMILY - APRIL 1 TO APRIL 30
When you make a gift during Friends and Family, you breathe life into resident activities that foster social engagement.
Social engagement isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to social isolation, but we can change this with your generosity!
Your past donation supported a resident in getting his health on track. By having access to exercise equipment purchased with your donation, he lost over 50 pounds and increased his health and quality of life.
Donated resident computers enabled an older adult to write her memoirs, leaving a permanent legacy behind.
Funds to support resident activities funded a resident trip to Niagara Falls. For some, this was their first time leaving their hometown.
Your donations made these stories possible. What will your donation do next?
• Visit pvmf.org/friendsandfamily to donate online. You can select a specific Village for your gift.
• Utilize the reply envelope enclosed with this newsletter for mail-in donations.
During the month of April, your gift has the power to do more. Your contribution could help unlock an additional $5,000 match for your Village, multiplying the impact of your generosity! Your gift today means more laughter, joy, and health for an older adult.
P.S. Remember, your donation isn’t just a gift; it’s a bridge to a better world for an older adult. Will you join us?
Over the past two years, I’ve had lots of conversations with donors about legacy giving. Some people love to talk about what their legacy will be and how they can help shape the future for older adults, while others want to avoid the topic altogether. It can make them uncomfortable, which I can understand. It may make them think of when things end.
When I reflect on my own legacy, I don’t think of the end. I think of now. I think of my connections with people and causes dear to me. I think about the mark I want to make on this world and all the good I want to share with those who follow after me. I want to celebrate my legacy, and I want to celebrate yours.
I often hear people say that they don’t have the kind of wealth one needs to make a legacy gift. I am here to dispel that myth once and for all.
Anyone can make a legacy gift.
Did you know?
• Anyone can make a legacy gift.
• Legacy gifts include: a gift in your Will or a gift through your retirement account or life insurance policy.
Legacy giving is about intention and the impact you want to have on future generations. PVM has been blessed with and welcomes legacy gifts of all sizes.
Each one matters. Each one has an impact. Each one makes a difference in the life of an older adult.
When you think about your legacy, I hope you reflect on your connections, your family, your friends, and your support for older adults. If you have questions or just want to grab a coffee together, please give me a call or send me an email. I would love to connect with you.
Best,
Devon Meier, Director of Donor Engagement 947.247.0995 dmeier@pvm.org
• You can give a set amount or a percentage.
• You can designate your support to PVM and/or to a specific Village.
Picture hundreds of older adults cheering, dancing, exercising, wearing matching Village shirts, and having lots of spirited fun while being quite competitive. This is the essence of the PVM Village Victory Cup. It’s our own mini Olympics!
PVM’s Village Victory Cup is such a wonderful event. It is a day I hope never to miss. The event is fully paid for by your kind and thoughtful donation to the PVM Foundation. Thank you.
Because of your donation and after a one-year hiatus, The PVM Village Victory Cup is BACK! June 21st at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI.
The PVM Village Victory Cup is an annual competition between PVM Villages. Over 300+ residents compete in an assortment of events from the speed and wellness walk, balloon volleyball, and bean bag toss, to the Puzzler, and much more. The entire room is filled with energy and excitement as each team seeks to bring home the coveted cup to their Village. There is also a spirit contest with lots of fun costumes and the hippest cheerleaders you’ll ever see!
The Victory Cup is so much more than just a one-day competition. It is about being part of a team and making new friends year-round. Visit a Village, and I bet you’ll see residents practicing (most likely wearing their team colors!).
I have had the honor of being the Emcee for a majority of them. I have witnessed residents moved to tears after a win, maybe the first win of their lives? Several residents have even been buried with their medals. The Village Victory Cup means so much to both residents and staff.
Because you donated, there is a Village Victory Cup. This event is 100% funded by caring donors to the PVM Foundation. Please consider volunteering, or come over to see the PVM Victory Cup firsthand (you won’t forgot it)!
A Fan Favorite and My Favorite Day is BACK- THANK YOU donors!
Paul J. Miller, CFRE President, PVM Foundation
