Joan is a retired case worker from the Cass County Department of Human Services. Today she works at the Cass County Council on Aging in Cassopolis where she helps seniors with Medicare or Medicaid problems. She also helps seniors apply for Bridge Cards (food assistance) through MiCAFE.

She and her husband have raised six children who are still living in the area. Family is everything to Joan who is grandmother to 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. That’s why the chance to work with seniors at the Council on Aging's Center in Cassopolis means so much to her.

"I see seniors who need a hug and a friendly face to turn to. Many of the folks I work with are confused when they try to get the help they need. They call a government agency and get put on hold. Or they are told to punch this number and that number. And, often, they don't know where to go. Here, we sit down and talk about what problems they might have."

If a senior is having a problem paying all their bills, Joan will help them sign up for a Bridge Card which gives the senior the money necessary to buy enough food to remain healthy.

"The seniors who sign up for a Bridge Card don't have to go to the Department of Human Services to apply. The seniors really like this. They feel comfortable with us instead," Joan tells us.

With MiCAFE, seniors don't have any forms to fill out. They just sit down with Joan or another caring volunteer, behind closed doors, and answer a few questions.

"When they contact us to make an appointment, we give them a checklist of documents to bring to the interview. If they forget something, it’s no big deal. The whole process is relaxed and simple. And if they come around noon time, they can also stay for a meal in our dining room," Joan reminds us.

"Every single one of the older adults we've assisted said they would not have applied if it weren't for this program. With it they are now able to buy a pork chop instead of a can of soup."
-Gayle Reed, MiCAFE Application Assistant