Extracted from article by James D. Coppinger published in Spark Magazine (Dec 2025)
Martha Hervey has always been drawn to people—helping them, listening to them, and finding purpose in the quiet, everyday work of caring. It’s a thread that ran through her professional life and, just as clearly, through the way she spends her time now.
Martha had a long career in the medical field at both Bronson and Borgess hospitals. She started as a transportation technician and enjoyed the medial environment so much she went to school to advance her career. Martha went on to be a surgical scrub technician and eventually a sterile processing nurse.
When Martha retired she quickly realized how much she missed being productive and being engaged with others. Martha’s sister had been volunteering with Milestone for some time and encouraged her to do the same. It didn’t take long for Martha to become deeply engaged in the Senior Companion program at Milestone Senior Services.
Through the Milestone Senior Companion program, Martha volunteers with seniors at the Villas who are in need of greater social interaction. Her role is simple but powerful: encouraging residents to participate in daily activities, whether that’s games, music, or just sitting down for a conversation. Martha says these one-on-one moments mean everything to seniors who may not have family nearby. She finds the experience just as meaningful to her, noting that, like many volunteers, she receives as much as she gives.
Coming home after volunteering, Martha says, fills her with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. It feels much like her working years, when she looked forward to each new day and returned home knowing she had done something worthwhile. As Martha said, “It just feels good to be needed.”
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.
