Sue’s Story

Getting Connected Through ENGAGE!

Sue Kommer moved back to Newaygo County after an extended time away. As she put it; she had always been involved in whatever community she lived in, often volunteering with various Veterans organizations. As a former combat medic with the Army, it is a cause close to her heart. “I always tried to stay engaged,” she stated.  

She moved back to Michigan to care for an aging parent, and after their passing, found herself in an empty house, alone. The idea of social isolation became very real to her.  “Especially moving (back) here to Fremont, where I was not part of a community. When I worked, I was always engaged with other people, but just sitting at home is a perfect way to social isolation…” Sue said.

She read about ENGAGE! and did a self-referral to the program. Sue shared with the ENGAGE! link worker about her past experiences volunteering and how she wanted to get involved giving back.

Due to some physical restrictions, Sue can only spend limited time on her feet. Recognizing this, she volunteers with the Call & Connect program, where she calls and checks on home-bound older adults. She also started attending various Community Connections activities, including Friday volunteering and occasionally helping out at TrueNorth’s front desk.  

Sue sums up her experience nicely, “I don’t need people to take me under their wing and make my life better… I just need to be able to give back and meet individuals who are in the same situation. The opportunities here, through ENGAGE! are awesome.”

If you are interested in learning more about ENGAGE! click the button below or call (231) 924-0641.