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Director of Operations Viola Woodford, left, and Director of Community Services Carol Wade, with the all-volunteer In-Home Companion Services.
More than 50 people who have been home-bound due to age, illness or injuries are now getting essential help while also making a positive impact on others, thanks to Viola Woodford's act of doing good.
"They aren't allowed to sit at home, they are motivated to do things and inspire others," says Mrs. Woodford, of Farmington, MI, who founded In-Home Companion Services, Inc. The organization is an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides often isolated low-income adults services they cannot afford and typically do without.
Mrs. Woodford recalls a news story about an 88-year-old woman living alone who reached out for help by calling the TV station. She had outlived her family and friends, and her neighborhood had become nearly deserted. Months later, the same news program reported that the woman had died and her body lay unclaimed in the city morgue for five months.
In-Home Companion Services volunteers, board, staff and supporters gather for annual fundraising tour
That's when Ms. Woodford took action and organized a group of volunteers to help seniors, disabled adults, veterans and caregivers.
"Having a mother who recently celebrated 100 years and a husband with medical concerns provide me with insurmountable strength to handle God gifts with a smile, and appreciation for the quality of life we need while we are on this God given planet," says Ms. Woodford.
Today In-Home Companion Services continues to be entirely staffed by volunteers, and it is expanding its outreach and services to more and more people whose lives are changed by Ms. Woodford and her fellow volunteers' commitment to doing good.
You can find out more about this example of Doing Good at www.inhomeservices.org.
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