Retired Senior Volunteer Program

Stories of RSVP's Impact

“It has been a joy having Maddie Berube as our volunteer. We look forward to Tuesday and Wednesday mornings when Maddie arrives. She is more than a volunteer, she is a respected and valued part of our Area HomeCare team and a good representative of the RSVP volunteer network. It is a wonderful program and deserving of the support it receives from the community.”

-Gordon McCollester, President CEO, Area HomeCare

“The RSVP volunteers who work at the Senior Center are a very important part of our program. We would not be able to operate the Center without them. The receptionists are the first people new attendees see and talk to when they enter the building. These volunteers are individuals who are compassionate, caring, and so helpful. Others help with clerical work, class instruction and perform other duties when needed. Thank you for all your help!”

-Judith Burnell, Portsmouth Senior Center

“We couldn’t get along without them. Not only are they invaluable in helping the United Way of the Greater Seacoast get information about our mission throughout the community through various mailings, they assist with getting us organized for meetings and presentations, from copying and assembling materials, to wrapping gifts!

No task is too small, or too large, for them to undertake. They are always cheerful and never fail to lift our spirits when they are here. They also serve as great role models of how to stay active and involved in their community through volunteering.

Fran Hoyt, Betty Kittle, June Coffey, Pat Brackett and Rachel Cromier are our “regular/weekly” volunteers, and we can’t say enough great things about them.”

-The staff of the United Way of the Greater Seacoast

“Evelyn Eagan was awarded Volunteer of the Year for the Salvation Army Portsmouth Corps. Her longevity with the organization, loyalty, and consistency have been outstanding along with her hard work. She gives more than 100 hours a month to the organization. She is the “right hand” of our cook Rae Ann who lovingly calls her “Mama.” They work together as one in the kitchen or on the bread run.

Because Evelyn comes over in the morning five days a week, we do not need to worry about coming down to light the stove and the zillions of details she takes care of. Dinner for the Soup Kitchen is set out for Saturday and Sunday, but Evelyn comes in on Sunday to put the Sunday part in order and turn on the ovens.

Evelyn is like a grandmother to the Soup Kitchen people. She lovingly serves them and treats them with dignity.”

-Major Joy Emmons, Salvation Army, Portsmouth