Director Wendy Brown urges support for Aug. 2nd millage
LAPEER COUNTY — Wendy Brown, Lapeer County’s new Director of Senior Services, is ready to take on the important task of ensuring that the needs of older residents remain a priority.
A 1999 graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Brown has a bachelor’s degree in social work and is currently finishing a master’s degree in business administration.
Brown has spent the past 21 years working in Lapeer County with Friend of the Court, Foster Care; as well as with the Ann Arbor Senior Center, Catholic Charities and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren programs.
“I’ve had the privilege of being selected to participate in an internship abroad at Age Concern Home Care in Brighton, England, a program very similar to Lapeer County Senior Programs,” Brown said.
“What attracted me to this position is my affinity towards older adults,” she said. “I enjoy spending time with them; talking, listening, learning and assisting them in any way I can.
“I believe this stems from the way I was raised, and the close nature of my relationships with my great-grandparents, grandparents, and now my own father. It is my hope to bring this passion and sincerity to my new position as the Lapeer County Senior Programs Director.”
Brown alluded to the mission of Lapeer County Senior Programs, which is “to provide supportive services and comprehensive programming to help seniors remain in their homes and maintain an independent lifestyle.”
Services include home delivered meals, care management, in-home personal care and homemaking services, respite, home chore services and transportation.
Brown noted that a senior’s eligibility is based on the level of care the individual needs.
Two centers served
Lapeer County Senior Programs facilitates senior centers in Lapeer and Imlay City, where county residents (age 60 and over) can go meet, socialize, participate in activities and congregate lunches.
Both senior centers are open daily from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with lunch served at 11:45 a.m.
Millage critical
All services and programs are funded by the Lapeer County Senior Millage, as well as through state and federal grants available from the the Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA).
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, Lapeer County voters will be asked to approve a slight millage increase to continue funding existing senior programs.
“This proposed increase is needed due to the rising costs of food, gas and staffing,” Brown said. “These factors affect several of the programs and services we provide to seniors who desire to remain in their homes.”
Brown urged Lapeer County residents to consider the plight of older citizens, whose needs are uniquely important.
“Something my mother once said that stuck with me over the years, was how she never wanted to be placed in a nursing home,” Brown recalled.
“This is a real concern for many people, and it is why Lapeer County Senior Programs are so essential to our community.”
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
