Chris’s passion for serving older adults began long before he became a volunteer with The Center for Volunteer Caregiving. Growing up, he regularly visited his grandmother, who lived alone in an apartment in downtown Seattle. Every few months, he would take her to lunch, drive her to appointments, and help with grocery shopping. Those visits continued through college and left a lasting impression on Chris.
After moving to Raleigh, Chris wanted to continue supporting older adults in his new community. With a background in healthcare, he began looking for volunteer opportunities and found The Center for Volunteer Caregiving. He appreciated the flexibility the organization offered, making it possible for him to volunteer around his work schedule. Chris originally began volunteering in the yardwork program before settling in as a transportation volunteer.
Over the past 12 years, Chris has discovered that providing a ride is about much more than getting someone from one destination to another. The conversations along the way have become one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering for him. He enjoys listening to care receivers share stories about their lives and says he has been fortunate to meet many wonderful people through The Center.
Chris’s commitment to the organization eventually led him to serve on the Board of Directors in 2022. Now serving as the 2026-2027 Board Chair, he welcomes the opportunity to challenge himself and serve in a new way. His previous experience serving on another nonprofit board has given him valuable perspective that he brings to his leadership role. Looking ahead, Chris is excited to help lead The Center into its 35th year, which will be kicked off with a celebration next June! During his term as Board Chair, he hopes to strengthen community partnerships, expand the transportation program, and support new board members as they begin their service. He also wants more people to become familiar with The Center, so it is no longer one of the community’s best kept secrets.
Chris encourages anyone who is considering volunteering with The Center to not underestimate the impact they can have. What may seem like a simple ride or visit can provide an older adult with access to essential services and meaningful social connection. He also recommends attending The Center’s volunteer gatherings, which offer a chance to meet fellow volunteers and better understand the organization’s broader impact across Wake County.
