A needed service and rewarding opportunity

If you’re looking for a way to give back in this new year, there is a great opportunity to do so by volunteering as a guardian through the Wayne County Volunteer Guardianship Association.

Sometimes people misconstrue this organization as being one concerned with guardianships for minors under the age of 18. However, the Volunteer Guardianship Association deals with guardians for adults who have been deemed incompetent.

Sometimes the definition of incompetence includes adults with dementia, but it also includes individuals who have developmental delays or who have severe mental issues. There is a need for a volunteer guardian when a person who has been deemed incompetent does not have family or supportive others qualified to serve as a guardian. When that situation arises, the probate court can appoint a volunteer who has been background checked, screened and trained to step in and provide this service. All costs of the screening, training and application process are provided by the organization.

The Wayne County Volunteer Guardianship Association was started in 2012 as a not-for-profit program that provides guardian of the person services to individuals who are residents of Wayne County and who are living in or in need of residential care. The WCVGA is governed by a board of directors that carries out its mission to provide guardianship services to the most vulnerable adults in Wayne County.

What does a guardian do?

—A guardian visits the person for whom they serve as guardian, known as the ward.

—A guardian attends the ward’s plan of care at the residential care center.

—A guardian helps determine services and care the ward might need.

—A guardian also is responsible for filing a few annual forms with the court to update the court on the ward’s care.

—As a volunteer, the guardian does not handle any of the ward’s money.

Kelli Beckler, who is the incoming president of the WCVGA, became involved with the organization as a volunteer guardian at its inception in 2012.

“I am passionate about the development of the WCVGA because throughout my career in long-term residential nursing home care, I have seen firsthand the need for volunteer guardians on various occasions for the residents who do not have support persons,” Beckler said.

Beckler was instrumental in developing the organization’s popular Iron Chef Fundraiser, which began in 2012 and ended during the pandemic. A new fundraising event is in the planning stages.

If you are someone who can ensure an adult who is elderly or suffering with mental illness or who has developmental disabilities has a caring, ethical and responsible advocate, call the WCVGA at 330-465-2444. You also can check out the organization’s Facebook page or its website at www.waynecountyguardianship.org.