Needs From: Head of the Lakes United Way

For many homebound older adults, a beloved dog or cat is more than a pet — they are family. Companionship, laughter, routine, and unconditional love help fight loneliness and support emotional and mental well-being.

However, keeping a pet healthy can be challenging for seniors who struggle with driving, carrying food, or physically managing the tasks associated with pet care.

That’s where YOU come in.

Pet Companion Volunteers help seniors remain safely and happily at home with their pets by providing practical support, friendly connections, and peace of mind.

Your visit may be the bright spot of someone’s week — and their pet’s tail-wag or purr will thank you, too.

What You May Do

Volunteers choose tasks that match their comfort and ability, such as:

*Package up and deliver pet food or litter
*Assist with simple pet care (feeding, brushing, walking, and cleanup)
*Provide transportation for veterinary appointments
*Chat and check in with the senior to ensure pet needs are being met
*Offer companionship — to both owner and pet!
*Help fundraise or collect pet food donations, or share our program with others who may want to give (churches, civic groups, workplaces, businesses, etc.)

Who We’re Looking For

*Kind, reliable volunteers who:
*Love pets and enjoy helping their owners
*Can provide friendly, respectful conversation and maintain confidentiality
*Are comfortable working independently
*Want to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life
*Enjoy connecting with community groups and helping gather supplies to keep the program thriving

Background checks and a short orientation will be provided.

Become a Volunteer Driver — Every Ride Has a Story!

When Mary lost her husband, she also lost her only ride to her doctor’s appointments. That is, until Tom volunteered to drive her. Now, every other Tuesday morning, they chat about family, gardening, and the latest local news on the way to her cancer treatments. For Mary, it’s more than transportation—it’s friendship and independence. For Tom, it’s the best part of his week.

Our Volunteer Driver Program depends on caring individuals like Tom. Volunteer drivers provide non-emergency rides for seniors and adults with disabilities—helping them get to medical appointments and back home safely. Each trip helps someone stay healthy, connected, and independent.

Each ride is more than just a trip; it’s a lifeline that helps clients stay connected to their doctors, their community, and their independence.

Volunteers choose how often they drive—once a week, once a month, or on call—and assignments are typically just part of a day (morning or afternoon). We work with your schedule and offer a mileage stipend. Some trips are shorter in Ashland County, others are longer - to Duluth or Ironwood.

Volunteer drivers use their own reliable vehicle and must maintain a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance on file with our agency. If you have a reliable car and a few hours to spare, you can make a real difference—one ride, one smile, one story at a time.

Join our cause, be that difference, and make a new connection. Call us today for more information - 715-682-4414 ext 0.

Deliver More Than a Meal – Deliver Peace of Mind

Every weekday, Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers travel the roads of Ashland County—through Ashland, Sanborn, Mellen, Glidden, and Butternut—bringing hot and cold meals to seniors who are homebound. But the delivery is about so much more than food.

Take Jim, for example—a volunteer who delivers in Ashland. Every Wednesday, he knocks on Mrs. Anderson’s door with her favorite chicken dinner and a big smile. She always greets him with a story from her younger days, and before he leaves, she gives him a cookie and thanks him “for bringing more than just lunch—you make my day brighter.” For Mrs. Anderson, that visit reminds her she’s not alone. For Jim, it’s the best part of his week.

Meals on Wheels drivers are the lifeline and vital part of the team.

Meals on Wheels drivers not only ensure meals are delivered safely and on time—they also provide a friendly check-in that offers comfort to seniors and reassurance to their families. Knowing someone caring is stopping by each day brings tremendous peace of mind to loved ones.

Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and donate their time, but the reward is priceless: the smiles, the gratitude, and the knowledge that you’ve made someone’s day a little brighter.

If you’d like to deliver more than a meal—deliver kindness and connection—join us in our mission and call today for more information at 715-682-4414 ext. 0.

Share Your Passion – Inspire Healthy Aging!

At Ashland Aging, we believe staying healthy is about more than doctor visits—it’s about connection, learning, and joy. We offer a variety of evidence-based workshops and programs designed to help older adults and caregivers live vibrant, independent lives.

When LeAnn attended her first healthy aging workshop, she was nervous. Living alone after her husband’s passing, she’d stopped going out much. But after meeting Carrie, a volunteer leader who taught a “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” class, she began to smile again. Her warmth and encouragement reminded her that she still had goals to reach—and friends to make. Now, LeAnn never misses a session, and she’s even thinking about becoming a volunteer leader herself.

Stories like LeAnn's are why we do what we do—and why we need caring, motivated people like you.

Our program leaders are volunteers who bring passion, experience, and heart to every class. If you have a background in working with older adults, caregivers, or individuals managing chronic health conditions, or if you're new to working with seniors, we’d love to have you join our team. All leaders complete virtual training through the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, and we cover all training and supply costs.

While a background check is required, the true reward is priceless—seeing a senior’s confidence grow, hearing their laughter return, and knowing you’ve made a lasting difference.

Join us in our mission to help seniors in our community remain healthy and vibrant.

Call today at 715-682-4414 ext. 4 to learn more.