Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at The Gray House, so we'd like to shine a spotlight on the special souls who make our work possible.  Check back soon to meet more of our amazing volunteer team.  Maybe someday in the near future, we'll be featuring you!  Learn about our volunteer opportunities.

Meet Martha

Martha Cahillane

How did you become involved in volunteering at The Gray House? 
After retiring from a 40 year career in education, I needed to find a new purpose in life. I've known of the many great ways The Gray House has supported the Springfield community for decades and wanted to be a part of it.

How long have you been a volunteer with The Gray House?
I've been volunteering with The Gray House for six months.

What's your favorite thing about volunteering at The Gray House?
My favorite part of The Gray House is getting to know the staff, volunteers and the families. The level of unconditional kindness and compassion is truly remarkable.

What do you do for fun when you aren't volunteering?
I enjoy walking, skiing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Meet Dominick

Volunteer Spotlight on Dominick ValentineHow did you become involved in volunteering at The Gray House?
After I moved to the area, I was looking for something meaningful to do during the summer, which I found by volunteering at the Market at Gray House.

How long have you been a volunteer with The Gray House?
Approximately a year and a half.

What's your favorite thing about volunteering at The Gray House? 
The people and the feeling of helping out those in need!

What do you do for fun when you aren't volunteering? 
I enjoy reading, working out, and school.

 

Meet Jennifer

Volunteer Spotlight_JSandova

How did you become involved in volunteering at The Gray House?
I was the Program Director for a local social service agency and used to send our employees to The Gray House to do community outreach.  When my company laid me off due to the pandemic, I contacted the wonderful folks at The Gray House and asked if I could give back.

How long have you been a volunteer with The Gray House?
Since early April of 2o2o.

What's your favorite thing about volunteering at The Gray House? 
The people!  From the Director and Coordinator to the many selfless volunteers, delivery drivers, donors, and people who rely on us each week to feed their families.  The people at The Gray House have done more for me that I could ever give back.

What do you do for fun when you aren't volunteering? 
Trying to find my new career that awaits me and cherishing every moment I get to spend with my loving family, friends, German Shepard, and cat.

Meet Mary

Volunteer Spotlight_MRodowicz

How did you become involved in volunteering at The Gray House?
I am a Registered Dietitian, recently retired from the VA, and I have an interest in food insecurity and the agencies that work to address hunger in our community.  Through Sister Jane Morrissey, I learned that The Gray House had an emergency food pantry, and they were looking for volunteers, so it was a perfect fit!

How long have you been a volunteer with The Gray House?
I have been a volunteer since September 2019.

What's your favorite thing about volunteering at The Gray House? 
Being with others who have a mutual interest in helping people, and obviously love doing it.  I always look forward to my day at the food pantry.

What do you do for fun when you aren't volunteering? 
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, which I appreciate now more than ever! My husband and I like to travel, hike, and go out to hear live music.  My hobbies include reading, cooking, genealogy, and I am studying Spanish and Irish.