For the past seven years Oxford Township couple Dawn and Bob Neely have operated their business Seniors Helping Seniors from their cozy home in Woodbriar Village off Drahner Rd.
But, to give it a little more face, the couple decided to open a new set of doors at 1180 S. Lapeer Rd. in Dragon territory, or for those unfamiliar, in Lake Orion.
“There’s no huge, compelling reason that we felt we needed to transition into an overhead situation, but we always felt that we had somewhat of a calling to be more present and engaged in the community,” Dawn Neely, a 1985 Lake Orion High School graduate, said.
The Neelys officially opened their unique, in-home services business at their new headquarters Thursday, August 27 with a ribbon cutting celebration.
And to top it off, they honored a special guest. Rochester Hills World War II veteran Alfred Murphey, who completed 35 missions over Germany with the 8th Air Force, was their guest of honor, and was invited to represent the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight.
The national organization sends veterans from across the United States to Washington D.C. to see their WWII memorials. To pay tribute to the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, the Neelys donated all proceeds from a silent auction held at the ribbon ceremony to the national organization.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Murphey said of both the business and their contributions to Honor Flight. “When we went on this honor flight, (there) was (an outpouring of) overwhelming gratitude of everybody. They wanted to shake your hand, and take your picture. It really got you here,” he said, pointing to his heart.
That’s the feeling the Neelys are going for: to make their loved ones feel the love.
And if that means sending caregivers to seniors’ houses to lend a helping hand, then Seniors Helping Seniors will, and do make it happen. It is the basis of their business model.
“We believe our seniors are happiest and healthiest when they are in their home environment,” she said. “We don’t want them to have to transition to another living environment if that’s not in their best interest.”
It’s unique too in that the care providers are also mature, active seniors.
About 50 providers from Orion, Oxford, and other parts of Oakland County are currently employed with the Neelys’ business, and travel to residences throughout the county providing non-medical assistance to those finding life a little more challenging.
From two hours to 24, service length and itinerary is tailored to each client.
Bob and Dawn opened the first Seniors Helping Seniors in Michigan in 2008 after both their mothers fell ill at the same time. Dissatisfied with the elderly living options around them, the two fell in love with the franchise’s business model and opened their own business, which they say gives purpose to both providers and receivers.
To top it off, Seniors Helping Seniors raised enough money to sponsor one veteran’s trip to Washington D.C.
‘Our grand opening today is a perfect example of what I love about being able to be engaged in the community. Our partnership with Mid-Michigan Honor Flight is so exciting. Being able to incorporate their efforts into our grand opening and ribbon cutting is incredible.?
Co-owner Bob Neely agrees.
“There are local war veterans that have not had the opportunity to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. This is something that we can and should do something about.”
Both Neelys are looking forward to future partnerships with Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, and connecting local seniors to those that need help at home.
Contact their business at 248-854-7512.