Volunteering can help caregivers stay connected to their communities
Maine Volunteer Jack Newton Balances Caregiving and Community Service
Old Orchard Beach, Maine – Jack Newton, a retired machinist who has spent 15 years delivering Meals on Wheels, is a familiar face on the volunteer routes of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA). While his wife Ann has been battling Alzheimer’s disease and suffered two strokes, Newton has remained a steady presence at home, yet he never lets his caregiving duties keep him from serving others.
Newton, 65, lives with his wife in Old Orchard Beach. “I always was that way, even growing up,” he told reporters. “I like to help people.” His volunteer work began in 2009, and he now drops off frozen meals twice a week, traveling from Biddeford to deliver to older adults in the community. The visits are more than a food delivery; volunteers also conduct wellness checks and friendly conversations, providing a sense of connection for homebound seniors.
SMAA’s volunteer programs are diverse. Beyond Meals on Wheels, the agency offers roles in adult day programs, community cafés, “Money Minders” who help with budgeting, Medicare counseling, phone pals, and office-based positions. “We try to match people’s interests and skills to the right opportunity,” said Chloe Gray, volunteer programs manager. “People come in and find a role that suits them.”
With about 500 volunteers—roughly 180 of whom serve Meals on Wheels and three‑quarters of whom are 55 or older—SMAA has grown into a robust network of community helpers. Gray notes, “Part of our mission of engaging volunteers is twofold: the clients need us, but so do the volunteers.” Research supports this: older adults who volunteer report greater purpose, fewer feelings of loneliness, and lower depressive symptoms.
Newton was recently honored with the Team‑Oriented Award at SMAA’s Volunteer Brunch in June, a gesture of appreciation that reflected his dedication. “I enjoy meeting everyone and talking to them,” he said. “It keeps me active.” He also highlighted the importance of knowing his clients. “You gotta know your clients, and they talk to me. I try to help them out in other ways, too,” he added.
When his wife fell ill, Newton stepped back from his regular route to focus on caregiving at home. He expects his wife’s return from rehabilitation will bring increased demands. “I’ll lean on her paid care providers and their children for support so I can keep making time for volunteering,” he said. “Helping other people has been part of my life for decades.”
Gray emphasized that volunteering offers caregivers an identity beyond the caregiving role. “Volunteering is work, but it has a lot of social‑emotional value,” she explained. “For people like Jack, this gives them an identity outside of the role of caregiver.”
The Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s programs also aim to create reciprocal relationships between volunteers and the community. “Connect with us and connect with your community,” Gray said. “Volunteers get just as much out of it as they give.”
Newton’s advice for potential volunteers is simple. “Find something you actually enjoy and a role that suits you,” he told reporters. “You gotta like what you’re doing.”
Anyone interested in following Newton’s example can explore volunteering opportunities through SMAA’s website at smaaa.org/volunteer. The agency’s outreach extends beyond Meals on Wheels, offering volunteer roles that suit a wide range of abilities and schedules.
In an era where the demands of caregiving can be all‑consuming, Newton’s story illustrates how community service can enrich both volunteers and the people they serve. His balanced approach—dedicated caregiving at home, steady volunteer service, and a commitment to personal well‑being—serves as a model for others in Maine and beyond.
