Volunteer Testimonials
Recent Testimonials 2025
When I started driving for NEST, I knew it would make me feel good, but I had no idea how good! I have met so many wonderful people, made new friends, and learned so much about the area.
-MaryEllen Fortini
Of all the many things I’ve done in the past 11 years of retirement, the most rewarding experience has been volunteering for NEST. Helping my neighbors in need has made me a better person, and of course, made me realize how lucky I am. I’ve received so much more from them in their smiles and words of thanks and appreciation than I’ve given in hours or miles.
-Marie D.
I have enjoyed volunteering at NEST for several years. I meet wonderful people who really appreciate our help so they can continue to be independent and live in our community.
-Paul
For it is in giving that we receive. That is absolutely true with Nest. I have met so many interesting people who have brought me joy, laughs and purpose.
-Louann M
Since I utilized NEST after my four surgeries, it only seemed appropriate if I was to give back to the organization that supported me. It’s extremely satisfying to assist other residents.
-Jim Lesher
When I first started thinking about volunteering for Nest, I thought it would be nice to help others. Then I met some of the clients! For example, one of my first drives, during COVID, was to take a couple to get their vaccinations. While waiting with them, I learn how awesome they were. Spending time and learning the stories of others is what it’s all about!
-Margaret M
I have been a Nest Volunteer for several years and find it very rewarding and enjoyable. I love meeting the different clients and I am happy to help them with Dr appts and other activities that enrich their lives. In doing so, it enriches my life and I truly enjoy our interactions.
-Sarah S
Through this valuable and helpful program, I have been able to meet so many friendly and knowledgeable St James residents. They are each so appreciative of my time and travel assistance. It’s a program that for me, is more like “friends helping friends” vs ever feeling like it's an obligation. We all find ourselves in situations when we need assistance, and this program helps provide that while also maintaining dignity and safety. I personally have found offering assistance very satisfying. Hope it’s here if and when I need it!
-Carol
Upon retirement in 2017, I knew that to be happy and healthy, I needed to stay busy. Volunteering my time has been one way to stay connected, meet new people, and to remain engaged. I have learned to expect nothing from the time I spend in NEST activity, but almost every encounter enriches me. The sense of joy it brings can't be measured.
-Stephen
Helping others gives me a sense of fulfillment and purpose. I enjoy meeting new people and making a connection with my neighbors.The NEST members I have worked with are so appreciative of the services provided which allow them to keep their independence. NEST is a winning formula for both the members and volunteers! I truly believe in the Village to Village concept.
-Dawn P.
I was inspired to volunteer with NEST because I believe in the value of people being able to age in place. Our members are always so grateful for the assistance we provide. I love chatting with them, hearing about their experiences and how happy they are to be able to stay in their home.
-Diane
I joined NEST to help people in our community. Due to NEST I was fortunate enough to help a man through the last 4 years of his life. And he was the kindest man I have ever known.
-Chris S
NEST gives me a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I am brightening someone’s day. It reminds me of the value of small, caring actions. Most of all, it’s rewarding to build relationships with people who have so much wisdom to share.
-Denise H.
Being a volunteer with The Nest has reminded me that one of the best things I can do with mylife is to remember to always give back to my community. To love thy neighbor basically. The Nest makes this very organized and provides me with a simple way to reach out and help my neighbors. And for that, I am very grateful.
-Leslie Ceresi
Nearly five years ago I suffered a serious and debilitating stroke. I have never asked "why me?" My wife joined the newly formed NEST organization in our community to help us manage life during my recovery. We met such kind and wonderful volunteers. Today I drive others in need. I now know the answer and I am very grateful.
-Chuck
Nest is more than an opportunity to help a neighbor in need. Whatever your job, you enrich your life more by helping others…the wonderful people you interact with and get to know.
-Ann Day
In short, becoming a NEST volunteer has expanded my life in several ways. Of course, providing a needed and helpful service to my neighbors allows me to feel good about NEST's mission and my ability to be involved. In addition, however, NEST has broadened my "circle", so that I am meeting and interacting with smart and dedicated individuals who have welcomed me into the group and who encourage me to participate as much as I want to. It's a "win-win" !
-MaryAnn
Volunteering at NEST has given me the opportunity to engage with members and become friends with them. In my secretarial responsibilities, I have been able to use skills that I haven't had a chance to practice in quite awhile. I feel my organizational tools have given NEST a chance to have more documentation for procedures like manuals for new intakes.
-Diane P. Administrative Assistant and Area Rep.
It is just a great feeling when you see the look on a member's face when you fix something that they thought may never work again.
-Rich P
I volunteer because my mother instilled in me a sense of purpose and passion for giving back.St. James Nest gives me the opportunity to honor my mother’s legacy.
-Deb Bean
I have enjoyed every experience I have had volunteering with NEST driving neighbors to appointments. It is interesting to hear their background stories and fun to catch up with them if I happen to have a repeat trip with them. I also like that I am the one deciding which trips fit my schedule.
-Peggy O ‘Connell
I really enjoy giving our members rides, I always have pleasant conversations and they are so appreciative. For what amounts to very little time on my part, I know it is very helpful for the members to be able to get to their appointments and they also enjoy having someone to chat with during the ride. I am very proud to be a volunteer of NEST and feel it serves a veryimportant role in our neighborhood.
-Patti Pelton
I've enjoyed the opportunities to volunteer for various local organizations over the years, living in St. James. But Nest is special as we interact daily with our wonderful neighbors who need a helping hand and meet people who enrich our lives. The Leadership is closely engaged with members, compassionate and caring.
-Ann B.
As a ‘behind the scenes’ volunteer for SJNEST, I support the operations of the organization. Everyday I’m in touch with our amazing leadership team. They spend countless hours supporting the volunteers and members who are the backbone of SJNEST. Helping to developand operate this organization and seeing the generosity of our volunteers and appreciation of our Members is - outside of raising my family - the single most rewarding and impactful thing I’ve done in my life. SJNEST truly makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors who simply want to stay in the home and community they’ve come to love.
-Sheila S
For as much as our members benefit from and appreciate the help provided by NEST volunteers, I gain far more in return . . . a sense of purpose, the satisfaction of giving back, and the opportunity to meet lovely St James residents. It is a joy and an honor to volunteer.
-Beth Merdian
I’ve found that volunteering for Nest is a very worthwhile use of my time. I can decide when I want to volunteer. The thanks I have received from the people I drive, is far more significant than the time I invest.
-Frank Higgins
While I mostly handle the promotional activities needed to get the word out about NEST and its activities, I fulfill a few Service Requests a year. I cannot express how great it makes me feel to hear from our members that we’ve been able to help them stay in their homes safely and continue to enjoy the friends and neighbors that bring joy and meaning to their lives.
-Meg M
Being a small part of the NEST family has been a privilege and brought me numerous rewards. Speaking to both Members and Volunteers has been a pleasure and I have made many lasting friendships. NEST provides a new meaning to “IT TAKES A VILLAGE.
-Karen N
Interviews With Our Help Desk Volunteers
Pictured left to right: Kathy Ragan, Ann Bobeck, Miriam Matteotti and Linda Lewis
Ann Bobeck has lived in St James since 2012. She’s originally from Northern Pennsylvania and for years was a hospital administrator for the Navy. She joined as a volunteer at the very beginning of NEST, because she’s always enjoyed helping other people and really liked the neighbor helping neighbor concept.
Ann heads up the Help Desk Committee which operates Monday through Friday from 9:00am til 1pm.
Linda Lewis is originally from Virginia, and has lived in St James for 16 years. When she heard about NEST she was excited to know there was a wonderful neighborhood group that was designed to help other neighbors stay in their own homes as long as possible. While moving to a nursing home was always an option, she felt that the biggest problem with nursing homes is loneliness. So, she felt that it would be wonderful if you could stay in your own home, surrounded by friends, for as long as possible. When she heard about NEST, she felt this was the ideal way to allow people to stay here and enjoy the St. James community to the fullest.
She says it’s a real pleasure to answer phones at the Volunteer Help Desk because you can feel the joy the members are experiencing when they have a neighbor to help them.
“It’s up to us to take care of each other.”
Miriam Matteoti found out about NEST from the founder, Cindy Hauman, and has been on the Help Desk from the very beginning. She is always surprised and delighted with how happy the members are when she can help them out by setting up a driver to get food for them or even help them change a lightbulb. She loves the concept of neighbors helping neighbors and is looking forward to watching NEST continue to grow.
Kathleen Ragan is from Little Falls, New Jersey, and was Associate VP in the division of Student Development and Campus Life at Montclair State University. She says it was “ a good life’s work, just like NEST.”
She looks forward to new ways to continue helping St James neighbors stay in their homes. One new program involves taking the Members to the grocery store and helping them shop, which goes beyond the current program of picking up and delivering the groceries.
Testimonials from Our Volunteers
Joining St. James NEST as a volunteer has been a really nice experience. St. James NEST is all about neighbors helping neighbors and NEST volunteering can be done around your schedule. The thanks I receive for driving or attending to in-home needs speaks to the value of NEST volunteering. You help our neighbors get to their appointments and stay active and stay engaged. It's easy and you meet and make new friends and... it's good for the soul. Look at it as "paying it forward" to a time when you you might need the same kind of help. DO IT.
-Wayne Dennis
I have been a volunteer for about 2 years now and find the experience to be very rewarding. We have neighbors who need help; some longterm, some just for a short time. The help needed includes picking up groceries or prescriptions, driving to appointments, or just visiting. This help enables our neighbors to continue to live in their homes independently and with support as needed. A wonderful outcome; what could be better!?!
-Diane Saullo
I enjoy volunteering with St. James NEST because I realize the importance and necessity of a caregiver getting some respite time off. My husband died from Alzheimer's Disease 13 years ago, and I knew that if I hadn't taken care of myself with respite, I wouldn't have been able to take care of him.
-Maureen Killoran
I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer within our community and still have the flexibility to host and travel to be with family when we wanted or needed to do so. The NEST easily allowed that. Soon my modest NEST volunteering became a little selfish because of the NEST members that I met. All of the personalities, all of the appreciation and all of the great conversations kinda made me the winner in this deal.
-Kathy Lance
I have always enjoyed helping others, and the members who I meet are very appreciative of what we do for them. The NEST organization is a wonderful resource for our aging community.
-Paul Askew
I have been working closely with an Alzheimer's patient and his wife and I get so much out of my NEST experience. I have grown close to the lovely couple over the past year and a half and I knew there was the need for continuity of care with an Alzheimer's patient. My NEST work is very similar to my experience with my mother, who had a form of dementia that is similar to Alzheimer's.
-Christy Beavers