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Volunteer Spotlight: Laurel Space

Volunteer Spotlight: Laurel Space
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May 12, 2021
Email: krcopenhaver@alz.org
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For Laurel Space, volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter is a calling.
 
Laurel-Space-Picture-(1).jpg“Dementia is an ugly disease, and it has a tendency to wreak havoc and cause stress in people’s lives,” says the Kalamazoo-area resident, whose mother is battling vascular dementia. “It’s crucial that we share the resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association.”
 
Space has been volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter for about two years. Shortly after starting her current job at Vibrant Life Senior Living, she attended a volunteer appreciation dinner with a co-worker and was impressed with the gratitude the Association showed its volunteers. Space has always been an avid volunteer so this was an easy decision — especially working in memory care.
 
The first year in her new position, she realized how much death and loss there was and that she would benefit from a support group. Kalamazoo did not have a support group at the time so she reached out to Alzheimer’s Association Program Coordinator Cassidy Covert.
 
“I wanted to provide my voice as one that could help these families through this awful journey,” Space says.
 
Currently, she jointly facilitates a support group that meets every second Wednesday virtually until they can safely meet in person. She also serves as a community educator, facilitating programs such as Know the 10 Warning Signs, Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and Effective Communication Strategies.
 
“Laurel supports our mission in almost every pillar and always shares our resources when she interacts with the community,” Covert says. “She is one of our biggest cheerleaders and someone I can always turn to if I need volunteer support!”
 
According to Space, her commitment is now stronger than ever.
 
“Alzheimer’s and dementia are only going to increase over the next five-10 years,” she says. “Our voice is needed more now than ever before. We must act.”
 
For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, visit alz.org/gmc or call its 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
 

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