Volunteer Profiles
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
volunteer application  ::  volunteers of the year  ::  volunteer profiles
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hillary Devi Riemenschneider

“If I had one wish in the world,” says Hillary Devi Riemenschneider, “it would be to know that I have made a difference in someone’s life.” Not many high school students have such a commitment to volunteer work—but volunteerism is just one of the ways in which Hillary excels. “I have been volunteering since I was 11 years old,” she says. “It has become an important and precious part of my life. I am always so glad when I walk through the door of The Cedars and feel the warmth, grace and care.”

At 17, Hillary is an honors student with a particular interest in dance, theater, travel and languages—she is currently studying French, Spanish and Italian! This dynamic combination of academics, performance arts and community service led to her coronation as Miss Maine Junior Teen in July 2006. Hillary has also trained with the Radio City Rockettes at their prestigious summer program in New York City, studied drama at an academy in Manhattan, and performed in The King and I at Ogunquit Playhouse.

Even with all this excitment, Hillary insists that “volunteering at The Cedars has become one of the most wonderful experiences of my life ...the cordial, inviting atmosphere of this facility originates in the hearts and smiles of the staff, residents, and volunteers.”

 

Rod Berube

You don’t have to look far to find a helping hand at The Cedars. On most days you’ll find Rod Berube, visiting his mother, serving meals in the dining room, assisting residents at activities or quietly chatting ... always with a smile.

Rod is here for at least an hour each day and sometimes up to eight hours. What inspires him to be so generous with his time? “It’s my way of reciprocating. I just try to do what I can to help,” he says. “If I had it my way I’d be here all the time.”

He admits it was an adjustment when his mother first came to live at The Cedars. He quickly observed how very hard the staff works to care for our residents, and began to watch and learn. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the staff,” he explains. “I am just so thankful for the hard work they do. And until you see it for yourself, you can’t imagine the amount of dedication and compassion they show. They are really busy attending to everyone ... so when I see a need for help, it’s natural to pitch in.” And so Rod began his journey as a volunteer. He has truly become an advocate for other residents whose families are not nearby; he watches out for everyone’s needs.

The Cedars is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).