Mrs. POP bids farewell to MOM

This letter, and now a newspaper column, is one that, until recently, I never imagined I’d have to write. Claudia Miska and I have traveled together for nine years now though thick and thin. I always thought we would retire from Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM) together, when we reached our 70’s.

Sadly, that day of retirement, at least for Claudia, has come sooner than later. If this news catches you off guard, you are not alone.

I accepted her resignation last month with regret—and gratitude—for her leaving a program she did so much to build up. Claudia came to Middleton Outreach Ministry as my first hire in January of 1998, back when the POP program (run by Charlotte Ganley) was ministering to almost 100 client households. Claudia leaves POP nine years later, having built it up to over 250 clients, while developing friendships with many of you. Claudia’s last day in the MOM Office was March 9. Right up to the end, she was pouring out to our staff all that she knows about you, our valued MOM volunteers and clients.

The POP program will continue, largely as is. POP will remain just as warm and user-friendly, with drivers who are true companions, not just a taxi service. So if you are in need of POP services, keep calling 826-3410 (Claudia’s old number and the continuing POP phone)—whether that be for a ride, a home chore, a friendly visitor, or someone to advocate for you or do some creative problem-solving with you. If you cannot get in, a driver will bring you to the MOM Office.

POP will continue with the same high caring standards that you came to know and appreciate through Claudia, although the timing and the names associated with that care will change. For the time being, and until we hire an equally qualified and caring POP Coordinator, others will coordinate registration, rides, visits, and home chores for the elderly in this community.

Call Carole Klopp, Director of Volunteer Services (826-3409), if you want to volunteer at this time, especially to assist elderly clients.

Join Laura Bloomenkranz & others who step up to fill in; please answer the call as she seeks to dispatch those volunteers.

Whatever age you are—not just POP clients—if you need food, Good Samaritan, Utility, Rental, or other emergency assistance, call Craig Waggoner (826-3405), MOM’s client counselor and case manager.

Likewise, if you desire care from a distinctly Christian perspective—that is, one of MOM’s Stephen Ministers—call Sue or Dietrich Gruen to match you up appropriately.

Other organizations who work closely with the elderly—such as RSVP and the Middleton Senior Center—will also be called upon, for more direct service.

Rest assured that POP under MOM will continue as strong as ever. We also hope to expand the vision and reach of POP by drawing new volunteers and clients from the total MOM service area and by encouraging clients to engage the full range of MOM services.

In the coming decade we foresee even more growth potential for MOM and POP. The whole target population of POP-eligible folk (age 65 or more) will grow 111% by Year 2015, for which United Way has a 5-year mobilization plan and MOM a Strategic Plan.

On April 13 at 1-3pm at the Middleton Senior Center we will put on a good ol’ fashioned icecream social to celebrate Claudia’s distinguished tenure with us. We invite all of you to join us when that day arrives. Meanwhile, please send cards to 7432 Hubbard Avenue, and we’ll keep them for a special presentation to Claudia all at once.

Meanwhile, Claudia is looking forward to “cleaning out her closets,” she says, and going on a cruise or two with her hubby. (The latter sounds like more fun!)

We wish Claudia and Ken Miska all the best. When someone does “good” and makes a big difference in this community, let us applaud! Claudia has done just that, so let us applaud her nine years well served.

Until we meet again, farewell, Mrs. POP.

P.S. To provide continuity and expand the POP program, MOM is looking beyond April 13 to the happy conclusion of a search process already underway. Hard as that may be, we know God has another POP coordinator for us. If interested, or if you know someone who else who might be, please share this news with them:

Middleton Outreach Ministry, a Middleton/Madison based non-profit service agency, seeks a program coordinator to match volunteer services with elderly clients. Position is 25 hours/wk to start. Desire two years experience working with older adults, and a Bachelors' degree in Social Work or equivalent. Pay starts at $14-15/hr, based on experience; some benefits provided. Visit www.mompop.org for application information and a complete job description, or contact Ellen at ellen@mompop.org or 826-3404. Applications must be received at the MOM office by March 28th, noon.

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