Giving Back in Paw Paw

Published on Thursday, June 27, 2019 in Internet

June marks a significant milestone in our quest to bring high speed fiber internet to rural southwest Michigan. We've reached 10,000 customers and to celebrate, we have donated $10,000 (with partnership support from Wolverine Power Cooperative) to the internet zones that are in our last year of construction.

Here is the recipient in our Paw Paw Internet Zone:

$2,500 – Autumn House Adult Day Service

Social isolation can have a negative impact on anybody, but for someone with dementia or special needs, it can mean an increase in symptoms, physical complications and more.

The staff at Autumn House is dedicated to helping people with cognitive and physical impairments avoid the pitfalls of being shut in by providing a safe, inviting environment for adults of all ages to enjoy enrichment activities, healthy meals, social interaction and field trips. “We want our clients to be able to live fulfilled lives and to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Our center provides them a way to stay active and engaged,” said Joseph Goepfrich, executive director for the Avenue Family Network, the umbrella organization for Autumn House. “It's also important for us to serve as a resource for caregivers. No one can do this job 24/7 so by offering a safe place for their family members during the day, caregivers can work and take care of themselves,” he noted.

Autumn House serves roughly 17-20 individuals daily and has a staff nurse to help tend to any medical needs. “Each day is different and we have a lot of fun. I love seeing their faces light up when they see us,” said Wendy Todd, supervisor.

Our donation will help Autumn House secure permanent transportation for client outings and other needs. The organization is also hosting a golf outing at Heritage Glen Golf Club on July 27 for the same fundraising effort.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and clients can come full or part-time. Learn more about Autumn House at theavenue.ngo/autumnhouse/ or on Facebook.

Picture above: Clients at Autumn House pass the time on a rainy day with some Pictionary. 

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