Become an Only A Ring Away friendly caller

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels has always been about more than a daily food delivery. Our clients rely on their daily visit for a bit of conversation and a smiling face. And we at YMOW rely on those face-to-face interactions as reassurance of the client’s well-being.

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, these face-to-face encounters are now done from a distance. Smiles are exchanged from behind a mask. And deliveries are taking place just three times a week.

You can help us make up for these lost visits, and ensure the wellness and well-being of clients, by becoming an Only a Ring Away caller.

This program provides a weekly call and wellness check for YMOW clients who are feeling isolated. As an OARA caller, you will complete a survey of questions gauging each client's physical and emotional well-being. You also will assess their needs for food, medicine, non-food essentials and additional support.

OARA callers must:

• have a personal phone they are willing to use to make calls to clients
• have a computer with which to complete the online survey for each client
• have the ability to take notes/fill out the survey while speaking with the client or immediately after
• complete two virtual trainings via video
• read and sign the YMOW friendly caller manual
• read and sign the whistleblower policy
• promise to keep all client information confidential and abide by YMOW's privacy rules
• complete the YMOW volunteer application, linked below.
• undergo and pass a background check

Callers can choose how many clients they call each week and when the calls are made.

Questions? Send an email to volunteer@ymow.org or call (734) 487-9669.