Extracted from article by James D. Coppinger published in Spark Magazine (August 2025)
Donna Hicks is a volunteer in Milestone’s Senior Companion Program where she serves as a Senior Companion volunteer, making three weekly visits to two women who benefit from the social interaction which they otherwise would not have. Donna loves the connection and purpose it brings. The Senior Companion program is made available through a grant from AmeriCorps Seniors.
Donna is retired and keeps a full and active schedule for herself. In addition to her volunteer work with Milestone, she is dedicated to a robust fitness routine. After a knee replacement and fighting off some persistent arthritis, she committed to a regular fitness routine. Every morning, five days a week, she faithfully rides her stationary bike and does strength training. “Those two things are a must,” she says. “They keep me going.” She has also taken up archery as a new hobby. While she doesn’t hunt or compete, she enjoys it as a meditative and energizing activity.
“My life is where it should be right now in every aspect, and I couldn’t be happier,” Donna says. Her goal is simple: to help others find joy and live their best life. For her, volunteering isn’t a task—it’s another form of exercise for the mind and soul. Donna encourages anyone with even a few hours a week to get involved and experience the rewards it has to offer.
Milestone Senior Services is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee for the RSVP and Senior Companion Programs in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties. AmeriCorps Seniors empowers people aged 55 and older to serve their communities. The RSVP program connects volunteers with opportunities throughout the community. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Milestone’s Volunteer Services at 269-382-0515 or apply on our Volunteer Services webpage.
