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
• undergo and pass a background check

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

Interested in becoming an OARA caller? Begin by filling out the volunteer application.

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