April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we are thrilled to celebrate the amazing people who bring so much heart to our programs each and every day!

At TCOA, our volunteers are truly the driving force behind what we do. Whether you’re delivering meals, serving meals at a Dining Site, helping someone navigate Medicare, helping at an event, facilitating a workshop, or even helping someone with their taxes through AARP Tax Aide —you are making a real, lasting impact across our community.

And that's why this month's Volunteer Spotlight is...

🌟ALL OF TCOA'S FANTASTIC VOLUNTEERS!🌟

To put it into perspective...

In fiscal year 2025, volunteers for TCOA contributed 23,810 hours of volunteer time!

This included:

• Delivering 360,633 meals through Meals on Wheels (and preparing those meals in the Central Kitchen).
• Serving 723 Dining Site participants.
• Providing 312 hours of facilitation in Health, Wellness, and Caregiver workshops.
• Helping 1,758 people understand their Medicare/Medicaid.
• Offering 161 hours of guidance on TCOA's Advisory Council.
• Pulling off two fantastic annual fundraising events: the Meals on Wheels Charity Golf Outing and the Harvest Circle Dinner & Auction, raising funds that will help support TCOA programs continue to have a growing impact in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.

To all of our amazing volunteers: thank you for showing up, stepping in, and making a difference in so many meaningful ways. We appreciate you this month and all year long!

Share your thoughts on proposed services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers through Tri-County Office on Aging with non-Medicaid federal, state & local funding as outlined in the Multi-Year Plan.

Following a needs assessment process, TCOA identified potential goals, objectives, and corresponding activities for the 2027-2029 planning cycle. A draft summary of the Multi-Year Plan will be available at tcoa.org/about or by request no later than April 15, 2026.

Public Hearings have been scheduled to receive input:

Wednesday, May 6 at 1:00pm

Briggs District Library

108 E. Railroad St.

St. Johns, MI 48879

Monday, May 11 at 11:00am

Charlotte Community Library

226 S. Bostwick

Charlotte, MI 48813

Thursday, May 14 at 1:00pm*

Tri-County Office on Aging

5303 S. Cedar St., Bldg. 1

Lansing, MI 48911

*Hybrid via Microsoft Teams with call-in option.

Light refreshments will be available at TCOA.

Contact TCOA’s Planning and Program Development Manager for meeting information prior to May 1 OR to share comments without attending one of the hearings.

Contact Info: 517-887-1348 or longk@tcoa.org.

Body mechanics describes the way you move your body as you do daily life activities like sitting, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying. It’s important to learn proper body mechanics to avoid injury or fatigue while transferring or providing care for your care recipient.

Follow these tips to make good use of your strength and prevent injury:

• Assess the area and make a plan before moving your care recipient. 
• Face your care recipient and communicate each step with them. If your care recipient is able to move themselves, let them. Work at their pace.
• Stabilize your feet by keeping them shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, and keep your back straight.
• Use both arms and keep your care recipient close to your body. Squat down and stand up to transfer them.
• Bring the wheelchair or walker (if used) as close to the bed or chair as possible and lock the brakes. Move your feet and turn together, and lower them into the wheelchair. 
• Avoid twisting your back or performing jerky movements.

** If needed, talk to the care recipient’s doctor about a referral for Caregiver Training with a physical therapist 

For more helpful tips, sign up for Trualta at tcoa.trualta.com.

We have a lot of options coming up this Spring!

These workshops are FUN and provide education and support!

Check out TCOA's website for details. All workshops are free of charge, though donations are accepted.



Pre-registration is required to attend these workshops. Please call Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-1465 or email TCOA's Evidence-Based Programs Manager, Christine, at HistedC@tcoa.org. 

We are looking for individuals to fill the positions below! Come work at Tri-County Office on Aging and join our mission to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. Currently, we are accepting applications for the following positions:

Full-Time Positions:

Social Work Case Manager

Medicaid Eligibility Specialist

SHIP/MIPPA Supervisor

Part-Time Positions:

Dining Site Coordinator - Stockbridge Area Senior Center

Full-Time positions offer comprehensive benefits, including––but not limited to––medical, dental, vision, paid holidays, generous time off, and 100% employer-paid pension. We are committed to a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment for all employees.

Tri-County Office on Aging

5303 S Cedar Street, Bldg 1

Lansing, MI 48911