I have been a volunteer with Community Caregivers of Greater Derry since October, 2015. I decided to volunteer because I wanted to make a difference in the life of someone in my community, and I was introduced to the organization after they set up a booth at my high school's volunteer fair. I have found that Community Caregivers of Greater Derry offers a truly unique and meaningful way to service the community. The agency trained me, vetted me, found out my interests and parameters, and found someone who might be a good fit for me. I was eventually matched with an elderly woman from Connecticut who is living with her daughter due to decreased mobility. Though she lives with her daughter, she enjoys having visitors to add a little excitement to her days, as she cannot leave the house very often. For this reason, I visit her each week simply to brighten her day; sometimes we spend the whole time talking, as she enjoys hearing about my busy life, and other times we may play a card game or look at old photo albums. Regardless of what we spend the time on, it is a wonderful experience for both of us. For me, the visit is a pleasant break from my hectic schedule, during which I can slow down and enjoy her company. Likewise, the visit provides her with something to look forward to each week and brings some enjoyment to her day. While volunteering through the Community Caregivers is a rewarding experience for anyone, it is especially beneficial for teens. Though teens often take part in mindless volunteer work simply for the sake of earning community service hours, Community Caregivers offers a unique experience that means so much more. There is much to be learned from spending time with an elderly match, and nothing is more rewarding than knowing that you brought a smile to their face. Aside from volunteer opportunities, Community Caregivers also provides a resource center for the Greater Derry area. I have personally seen the impact of this, as well, for my grandparents both reached out to the organization a few years ago. Because of the Loaner’s Closet for Durable Medical Equipment, my grandmother was able to borrow canes, walkers and finally wheelchairs that she would not have been able to otherwise afford. My grandfather also frequently stopped by the office just to say hello, as everyone was always friendly and patient with him. Even my mother reached out to Caregivers at one point for moral support as she dealt with two immobile and needy parents. No matter what the situation, someone was always ready to help. I consider the services provided by the Community Caregivers to be needed in the area because they make a major impact on both the volunteers’ and the clients’ lives, helping to create a caring and supportive environment for everyone. I truly hope that Community Caregivers receives any requested town support to continue making valuable matches that change lives, as it is truly a unique organization with a meaningful purpose. Though the ideas and services may seem small, they make a world of difference.

I have been a volunteer with Community Caregivers of Greater Derry since December 2005. I decided to volunteer for several reasons:

• Giving back to my community
• Balance in my personal/work life
• Helping someone locally while someone helped my elderly mother in Pennsylvania
• Paying it forward for all the wonderful blessings in my life

The agency trained me, vetted me, found out my interests and parameters and determined who I could help. They were very thorough in meeting the needs of both my future client and me. Over the years I have done everything from laundry to cooking, cleaning and organizing, and all for residents of Londonderry. My most recent assignments include cleaning out and organizing several rooms of a house, and walking a dog and spending time in conversation with a couple who have mobility issues. Community Caregivers does outreach in the community in this way and engages churches and civic groups by participating in community events such as Old Home days and advertising in church bulletins, which is how I found them. I feel that this is a critical service and is needed for both clients and volunteers because it touches so many people in need and provides the volunteer with a sense of worth and value. It often times fills a void for both parties. Their work and efforts to provide services for those in need is absolutely invaluable to the seven towns it serves.

It is a weekly ritual that I enjoy. Someone from Caregivers calls me and asks if I have the time to drive someone to a medical appointment. If I am available, I learn that I can pick up someone in Derry, Londonderry, Chester, Sandown, Hampstead, or Windham, and take him or her to an appointment. Sometimes the destination is local. Sometimes it is 40 or 50 miles away. What a joy it is to connect with folks who cannot drive but need to get somewhere special. This only happens because the Caregiver agency makes it happen. I have volunteered for about ten years and I can see the value. I don't know half of what other volunteers do, but I hear rumors of shopping, housekeeping, light maintenance, and visiting. I thank the folks at Greater Derry Caregivers for keeping me connected to others. It is good to know they will be there when I have a need for a ride or whatever.

Community Caregivers is the BEST organization I have had the pleasure and honor of volunteering with. I've have met many wonderful folks who are dependent on the kindness of strangers. I look forward to my Wednesday visits with my elderly friend Heidi. We laugh, exchange memories, opinions and sometimes tears. She's a widow with no family. I am one of the few things that brighten an otherwise solitary existence. That feeling is indescribable. It takes a village. Community Caregivers is just that...COMMUNITY. Consider giving. If not your time, your donation, a drive to a doctor's appointment or even no longer needed equipment can make a difference. You can make a difference!

Both of us have been volunteering for Community Caregivers of Greater Derry for three years. It started when a client had a need for an early morning drive to Exeter. This actually led us to signing up to be available volunteers for our communities. We were interviewed by Cindee at that time. The application included two non-family references, our interest areas, car insurance, good driving records, and available times. We still fill out a form yearly for insurance purposes. Being comfortable knowing the interviewing was on done with both volunteer and client, we are more comfortable meeting the client. We have explored roads in our towns with a new interest. Given a contact number, directions, pick-up and appointment times, we are off to meet someone in need. Some rides are schedules and others have been emergency needs. Staff and clients are quite appreciative. There is a bonus of social interaction with the client. Personally, I have encountered health checks that our Police do. Other drives have been 2 different NH dialysis units; doctor’s appointments here in NH and MA; emergency pick up of medications; shoveling walkway; and grocery shopping. Our focus has been on rides where the most need is. We feel that we can ‘pay it forward’ and hopefully when the need arises the services will be there for us.