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Finding Purpose Through Service:
A Conversation with Our Volunteer Services Team
From the March 2025 Issue of THE CAIRN STONE
Volunteers are at the core of everything we do at the Aroostook Agency on Aging. From delivering meals to offering companionship, our volunteers provided 26,000 hours of service – valued at more than $850,000 – in 2024, making a tangible difference in the lives of older adults across The County.
But what’s it like to work with volunteers every day? We sat down with our Volunteer Services team – Cathy Hewitt (pictured on the left), Heidi O’Clair-Thompson (in the middle) and Halina Herzog (on the right) – for a conversation about the power of giving back and what keeps them inspired.
Why Volunteering Matters
Our discussion began with a question about what the trio enjoys most about their work. Halina, the Agency’s Manager of RSVP and Volunteer Services, didn’t hesitate in her response: “Meeting interesting people and hearing their stories has enriched my own life in ways I never expected.” She also remarked on how humbled she is to witness the goodness of people’s hearts in action. “26,000 volunteer hours in a single year – that’s incredible!”
Cathy, the RSVP Volunteer Coordinator that works in the northern half of The County, nodded in agreement. “What I love most is watching people realize just how much they have to offer. They come in unsure, maybe thinking they don’t have time or the right skills, but then they see that even a small effort can truly make someone’s day. Heidi, her counterpart in the southern half of Aroostook, reinforced this, saying, “That’s the best part – helping people find ways to give back that fit into their lives. Whether it’s a weekly commitment or just an hour here and there, there’s always a way to make a difference.”
Everyone Has a Gift to Share
The team paused for a moment to reflect on a quote from Shakespeare that hangs in the office: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” It’s one they’ve found themselves coming back to often in their work.
“I love this quote because it reminds us that everyone has something to offer,” Halina said. “Time, expertise, a listening ear – no gift is too small, and every minute given to the community is priceless.”
Cathy commented, “Some people are natural listeners, some are great organizers, and some just bring warmth and kindness. It’s about recognizing the possibilities and seeing where you fit in.” Helping people find that right fit, the place where their skills and passion line up with community need, is especially rewarding for her.
Stories That Inspire
One of the best parts of the job, the team agreed, is hearing the incredible stories behind why people volunteer.
Heidi shared one of her favorites. “We have a 90-year-old knitter who was homeless for part of her childhood. She remembers what it felt like to have cold feet, so now she knits socks for our Warm Hands and Feet community support program. It’s a lifetime of giving coming full circle.”
“We also had a volunteer who was going through a rough time after losing a loved one,” Halina reflected. “His counselor suggested volunteering, and it gave him a renewed sense of purpose. Helping others helped him heal – that’s the power of giving back.”
Challenging Myths About Volunteering
A lot of people hesitate to volunteer because they’re afraid of making a commitment they can’t keep. Cathy quickly put that concern to rest.
“We have 20 different ways people can volunteer, and many of them are super flexible,” she explained. “It could be helping with a one-time event, getting together now and then to play cards with someone who’s isolated, knitting from home, or even making a simple wellness check call. Other folks choose to help distribute our home-delivered meals on a weekly basis. Every act of kindness adds up.”
Heidi encouraged seasonal residents of The County to get involved, as well. “Are you a snowbird? No problem! We’ll work around your schedule. Volunteering should fit your life, not the other way around.”
They Give Back, Too!
The conversation turned to the team’s own volunteer experiences. It’s clear that for all three women, giving back isn’t just a job – it’s a personal passion.
“Volunteering is kind of selfish for me,” Halina admitted with a laugh. “It just makes me feel good! I’ve always been involved, whether with Aroostook Partners in the Arts or Little Saplings Childcare Center. It brings people together and gives us a sense of belonging.”
Heidi and Cathy shared similar experiences. For Heidi, investing her time in what matters, whether it was leading a Daisy troop, volunteering with her kids’ school, or working on a local historical project, has been an important part of her life. And Cathy is committed to passing her generous spirit on to her grandkids. “I want them to grow up knowing that helping others isn’t time lost – it’s time well spent.”
Join Halina, Cathy, and Heidi!
Thinking about volunteering? The team agrees – you should just give it a try! Whether you have an hour or two a week or a little time here and there, your kindness can brighten someone’s life.
Call (207) 764-3396 or visit our expression of interest page to make an inquiry about volunteering with the Agency. Your time, your skills, and your heart can make all the difference!