Introduction
Welcome to WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging, where we’ve proudly served the communities of Hillsdale, Jackson, and Lenawee counties since 1974. Our mission is rooted in empowering older adults and their caregivers by providing essential services that foster independence and quality of life. From personalized care plans to supportive resources, we’re committed to ensuring older adults can age with dignity in the comfort of their own homes, supported every step of the way by dedicated caregivers.
At WellWise Services, we understand the vital role caregivers play in the lives of our older adults. Their compassion and commitment form the backbone of our community impact, allowing us to deliver personalized care that meets individual needs with warmth and expertise. Together, we create a supportive environment where older adults thrive, caregivers find fulfillment, and the community comes together in support of our shared mission.
Explore how your support through donations, volunteering, and community awareness can make a lasting difference in the lives of older adults and caregivers alike. Join us in making our communities stronger and more compassionate, one life at a time.
The Challenge
Growing older comes with its share of challenges. At WellWise Services, we understand that older adults and their caregivers often face significant hurdles. Whether it’s finding the right support, carving out time for self-care, battling loneliness, managing finances, or navigating complex healthcare needs, we’re here to help every step of the way.
WellWise Services offers comprehensive support that links you to local resources. Our providers deliver qualified respite care, social engagement opportunities, financial planning assistance, and healthcare coordination. Together, we can help you successfully navigate the aging journey with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Volunteer Impact Stories
Ward Wilson has been named Volunteer of the Year at WellWise Services! He serves on the Advisory Council, volunteers with the Friendly Reassurance Program, assists with Connection Cafe in Brooklyn, and teaches PATH and Matter of Balance workshops. He also supports advocacy efforts and attends Older Michiganians Day.
Ward received his nursing degree after retiring from Consumers Energy in 2007 after 40 years. He worked at WellWise Services as a Supports Coordinator and then for a local doctor as an intake nurse. Ward and his wife Judy have been married for almost 50 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren. They are members of the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church. Ward proclaims that he is a proud MSU Spartan. He enjoys watching his granddaughter’s activities and hanging out with extended family and friends, boating, golfing, and traveling.
Ward started volunteering earnestly when he joined his church’s Mission Council in the early 1980s. He has helped organize the Irish Hills area CROP Walk and the Salvation Bell Ringing in Brooklyn and Napoleon, helped with his church’s Youth Mission trips, coaching his son’s baseball teams, helping with the Special Olympics Swim Team, Brooklyn Food Pantry, St. Lukes Clinic, and with a Nicaraguan organization called CEPAD, and a variety of church mission activities including helping to restore homes damaged by hurricanes.
Regarding the idea of volunteering, Ward stated that he most enjoys, “working with the skilled, caring and dedicated staff at WellWise Services, being involved in activities that matter and help, and feeling the sense of accomplishment by participating in the programs. To me, the special aspect of volunteering is the reciprocal nature of being involved.”
Individuals Served at Home
769
Home Delivered Meals
77,254
Options Counseling
928
Total amount of individuals impacted by WellWise Services
27,784 Individuals
Get Involved
01. Volunteering
Volunteering for WellWise Services offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities in our community. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a supportive team dedicated to promoting independence, dignity, and well-being. Plus, you’ll gain valuable experience, meet new people, and contribute to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
02. Donating
By donating to WellWise Services, you directly enhance the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities in our community. Your contribution provides vital resources, quality caregiving, support services, and the assurance that those in need are receiving the assistance they deserve. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Your generosity makes a meaningful difference.
03. Advocacy
Advocating for WellWise Services empowers you to champion the rights and needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. By advocating for policy changes and funding support, you play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and supportive society for vulnerable populations. Your advocacy efforts make a tangible impact, promoting positive change and improving the lives of countless individuals in our community.