Olympia Resident Receives Statewide Award for Community Service

Michael Petty recognized by AARP for his efforts to empower those with low or failing vision to live their lives with dignity and a renewed sense of independence

“You just gave me my life back.” According to volunteers with the program, this is a common refrain heard from people after visiting the Lions Low Vision Resource Center (LVRC) in Olympia. As our population ages, an increasing number of us are experiencing age related eye disease and vision loss. And for years, Olympia’s Michael Petty has been leading the effort to provide no-cost support, services and the loan of free equipment to people who cannot see well even with glasses.

In recognition of his service to others, AARP has awarded Michael with the 2024 Washington State Andrus Award for Community Service - the Association’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award. Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of older adults, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.

Thanks to Michael’s leadership, persistence, and his thousands of hours of volunteer effort, Washington has a much needed and highly useful resource for our underserved low vision community. The LVRC is an easy-to-access storefront operation, where volunteers provide a wide range of resources to help individuals with limited vision handle daily living a bit more easily and independently.

Services at the LVRC include free loans of equipment like CCTVs, talking watches, kitchen aids and handheld devices that make it easier to cope with limited or no vision. They offer peer support to those with failing vision from someone who has “been there” themselves. They also offer one-on-one and group training on low vision apps available on devices like cell phones.

“When Michael retired from a career in medical management, he scarcely took a deep breath before plunging into the world of service in the Olympia Host Lions Club,” says fellow Lions Club Member Karen Sell. “At a time when some people might have chosen to kick back and rest a bit, Michael chose to use his management skills to help people with low vision live better.”

Under Michael’s leadership, the service area of the LVRC has expanded beyond Olympia to include much of western Washington. He has worked tirelessly to grow the LVRC, speaking to groups throughout western Washington and developing teams to visit dozens of Lions Clubs to recruit their support. He has also obtained grants to purchase much needed equipment and works with groups like the Veterans Administration and equipment manufacturers to recycle equipment and devices into a second life at the LVRC.

Michael and the LVRC have recruited new volunteers ranging in ages from those in their 20’s to those in their 80’s to work at the LVRC. New policies and procedures have been adopted and individuals with limited vision themselves have been added to the LVRC leadership team to ensure the Center is meeting actual needs in a respectful manner.

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” says Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

As part of the recognition, AARP Washington will present a $2,000 donation to the LVRC so they can continue their efforts to help people with limited or failing vision live their lives with dignity and a renewed sense of independence.