Post from Community: MATC, Marquette and UWM students to help seniors as part of “Make a Difference Day”

November 8, 2019 by Milwaukee Area Technical College, Marquette University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Leave a Comment

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More than 800 student volunteers from Milwaukee Area Technical College, Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin will come together Saturday, Nov. 9, to help older adults across Milwaukee County get ready for Wisconsin’s winter.

The event, cohosted by the three institutions, is part of “Make a Difference Day,” an annual nationwide event in which organizations join forces to elevate community service.

This year, student volunteers will visit more than 150 homes throughout the county to assist older adults with raking leaves, cleaning yards and providing a friendly visitor, ensuring they are able to stay safe, warm and independent in their homes this winter.

One-third of older adults live alone, and many cannot complete the outdoor tasks required as the winter months approach. In addition, according to the Milwaukee County Department on Aging Area Plan for 2019-2021, when compared to the the state of Wisconsin as a whole, Milwaukee has a higher percentage of people age 65 years and over living alone.

The Make a Difference Day event also is in partnership with Eras Senior Network state of Wisconsin as a whole, Milwaukee has a higher percentage of people age 65 years and over living alone. Inc., a nonprofit organization aimed at engaging and supporting seniors in leading meaningful lives.

“Every year, seniors look forward to students arriving to help with home projects. Without help, seniors may try to do the work themselves and be at risk of falls in their homes,” said Kathy Gale, executive director of Eras Senior Network. “Falls can be devastating for seniors, resulting in hospitalization and loss of independence. The students’ hours of service are making an appreciable difference for vulnerable neighborhoods.”

Make a Difference Day is a collaboration among and MATC’s Center for Engaged and Service-Learning, Marquette’s Sorority and Fraternity Life and the Center for Community Service and UWM’s Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership and Research.

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Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. Nearly 35,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 150 academic programs; transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 35 four-year colleges and southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the national standard for academics and student services.