Weekly Village News for April 3, 2026

From Frank...

As promised, I’d like to highlight some of the extraordinary work of our volunteers since April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. There are so many examples that present themselves each day that I’ll randomly just choose a few that I know make a huge difference to those that receive the service. One member has been in a rehabilitation facility for quite some time, and a dedicated volunteer routinely goes to visit her, brings her mail, and engages in conversation that helps to lessen her anxiety. Our volunteer has been going to the rehab facility, which is not in our area, for well over a year.

Another tech savvy volunteer is always at the ready to allay fears of things not working. This might be the pesky universal remotes that don’t always pair with one’s television or disappearing emails or setting up an online portal for a clinician. The volunteer is patient, but also extremely knowledgeable and capable of fixing whatever the issue might be. In fact, I’ll admit that Microsoft was changing something about our office licenses and yours truly was the one that was utterly perplexed. I’m not even sure that I remembered the password, but our trusty volunteer was calm, cool, and collected and fixed everything. I knew the relief that I felt was so similar to the relief that many of our members feel when our tech tutors step in. Recently, we received the following email, “The volunteer assisted me with professionalism, patience and utmost competence. PLEASE convey to him my heartfelt appreciation.”

Whether it’s tech support, visiting with someone, providing a ride, assembling furniture, retrieving things from high shelves, or delivering groceries or medications, our volunteers show up for their neighbors. They are not only capable, but also generous with their time. Our “secret sauce” however is that there’s often a connection that occurs between those that give assistance and those that receive it. That’s the difference between a Village and another type of paid service provider. 

Thank you to all our volunteers who make the Village model work. It’s a privilege to witness the power of kindness and compassion. Finally, allow me to wish all those that celebrate, a very Happy Easter. Read all the Village news, programs, and events right here.

— Frank Finamore, Executive Director

P.S. As I’ve grappled with grief over the six months since my mom passed, I stumbled across this video of Maya Angelou and how we bring those that loved us with us in whatever we do. Because we’ve all lost someone that has been dear to us, I thought it worthwhile to share in the hopes that it is as meaningful to some of you as it was to me.