Every day, United Way’s Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA) connects older adults and individuals with disabilities in Jefferson County to programs and services that make life a little easier. From clarifying the complexities of Medicare to identifying scams and supporting family caregivers, UWAAA’s services help people make informed decisions, enjoy better health and feel more fulfilled.
Among the keys to making that happen are volunteers — people who bring not only their time and expertise but also empathy, patience and a deep commitment to their community. Cheryl Ogletree and Joyce Peters are two great examples.
From Caregiver to Volunteer Leader
For Cheryl Ogletree, her journey with UWAAA began not as a volunteer but as a participant. Through Alabama Cares, a UWAAA program, Cheryl received emotional support, educational resources and respite relief as a caregiver herself.
“I wanted to give back what I received from UWAAA and introduce other caregivers to this wonderful program,” Cheryl said.
Today, Cheryl is a longtime volunteer who serves with both the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). She has also volunteered with Alabama Cares and has faithfully served on the UWAAA Advisory Council for several years.
Cheryl said that each program has been meaningful to her in different ways. Through SHIP, for example, she received extensive training on Medicare, gaining new skills and knowledge about health insurance options — skills she now uses to help others who need unbiased guidance in making important decisions about their coverage.
Turning Professional Experience into Community Impact
Finding a new sense of purpose is what drew Joyce Peters to UWAAA after her retirement. With a professional background in HR and benefits, Joyce was looking for a way to continue using her experience to make a difference.
Like many, she was already familiar with United Way through years of workplace giving. When she learned about SHIP and attended a volunteer information meeting, she knew she had found the right fit.
Now, Joyce has served as a SHIP and SMP volunteer for five years. Much of her time is spent on the phone with Jefferson County residents who have Medicare-related questions and are navigating financial and/or physical challenges.
“SHIP is a tremendous service. We offer unbiased guidance throughout the year to a population that needs someone to listen and give them trustworthy recommendations,” Joyce said. “While I can’t change the larger circumstances in their lives, I can help them understand their Medicare options and listen with an empathetic ear without rushing them as they share their concerns.”
Why Volunteers Are Essential to UWAAA’s Mission
That listening — and the unbiased, trustworthy guidance that follows — is a cornerstone of UWAAA’s work. Susan Hackney, UWAAA’s SHIP and SMP Coordinator, said that volunteers such as Cheryl and Joyce are essential to the success of the services.
“Each volunteer is an integral part of the SHIP team, and we need each of them to be successful,” Susan said. “We are thankful every day for volunteers.”
Volunteers such as Cheryl and Joyce are ideal complements to UWAAA’s full-time staff of program professionals. Their blend of expertise, lived experience and genuine care for the people they serve go a long way toward making life better for our aging neighbors.
To learn more about the Area Agency on Aging, visit uwaaa.org or call 1-800-AGE-LINE to be screened for senior services.