Article by: James D. Coppinger | Appeared in Spark Magazine (February 2025)
Dave is one of Milestone’s Senior Companion volunteers. The Senior Companion Program matches older adults who are in need of social interaction with a volunteer who provides social interaction and companionship. This program is available to seniors living at home in the community as well as those residing in a nursing facility. Milestone is the grantee of this AmeriCorps Seniors program in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.
The Senior Companion Program establishes ongoing one-on-one relationships which often grows into a meaningful friendships for both the client and the volunteer. Through companionship and genuine connection, Dave helps combat loneliness, boredom, and the emotional weight of isolation, including anxiety and depression. While food sustains the body, the relationships Dave fosters nourish the soul, fulfilling a universal human need for meaningful connection.
Dave’s upbringing shaped his path. His family moved between Michigan communities as his father pursued a calling as a pastor. Dave credits his parents as profound influences. His father’s compassion showed him that character transcends religious teachings. Basic principles like the Golden Rule hold value regardless of one’s faith.
Dave’s mother, who had a literary degree, sparked his love for writing poetry—a passion he maintains to this day. Some of his poems have been published. Dave’s creative pursuits don’t end there, he also plays piano and drums, enjoys films, and immerses himself in the arts.
Currently, Dave volunteers as a Senior Companion at Park Village Pines senior living community. When engaging with seniors, Dave emphasizes letting them decide when and how much they want to share. “Every person has a remarkable story,” he says, and hearing those stories is a privilege.
Dave finds immense fulfillment in his volunteer work, which he says fills him with gratitude and humility. “Being there for others keeps you grounded,” he reflects. Dave often tells people he volunteers with “to plant a seed.”
He believes there are far more people in need of compassion than there are those willing to offer it. If you feel something is missing in your life, Dave suggests giving to others. “It will fill that void—you just have to ask where you can help.”
If you would like to learn more about being a Senior Companion volunteer, or if you or an older adult in your life would like the benefit of a Senior Companion volunteer, contact Milestone’s Volunteer Services at 269-382-0515.
Milestone Senior Services is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee. AmeriCorps Seniors empowers people age 55 and older to serve their communities. RSVP helps people find a volunteer opportunity that fits their passion. There are currently opportunities in Kalamazoo County and a few in Calhoun County. Volunteers are needed with Meals on Wheels, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Companionship for Seniors, Milestone Home Repair, and more. Regular and flexible schedules available. Contact RSVP at 269-382-0515 or apply on the Volunteer page of our website.
