Volunteer Cheer: Dawn Scelsi

With what organizations have you volunteered? 
Age Well Senior Services RSM Bell Tower, SMCHS TOP SOCCER Program—Children to adults with physical challenges.

How has volunteering enriched your life? 
Volunteering has made me feel like a better human being—more self serving to others,  compassionate, greater patience and understanding.   Volunteering has increased my awareness  of the daily challenges of others whether they are seniors, young adults or children. The interaction with others in my community has opened my eyes with appreciation of just how blessed I am with excellent health.

What should others know about volunteering? 
Volunteering is one of the best things I have experienced in my lifetime. You don't need special skills or training, anyone can volunteer at any level or degree of commitment. Just go out and find a program that you feel you can make a contribution to and enjoy!

What's your day job? 
I am a stay at home mom and I also help manage a family owned construction business.

What do you love most about your community? 
I love the RSM community with its small town feel but yet the opportunity for further growth in the near future. 

What does community mean to you? 
To me Community means a place that I can call home, a place to live, work, play, grow, educate and rest in peace. 
  
What do you want to say to those thinking about getting involved in their community? 
Get involved with your community in whatever way you can. Look within yourself and find things that interest you or better yet try something different not necessarily in your comfort zone. You will be amazed at what you will learn about yourself and your neighbors.
 
Can you share a brief story about volunteering? 
During the Christmas Holiday, I was able to take a local bedridden senior on a walk through her neighborhood to enjoy the lights of the Christmas season.  With the help of a hoist and others we were able to get her into a wheelchair and stroll through her neighborhood viewing the lights and playing Christmas carols.  This was a super special time I experienced during the holiday season. 

Tell us about someone who inspired you through their generous gift of volunteering. 
When I first began volunteering at the Community Center in RSM,  I had the opportunity to meet and work along side a lady named Linda. She was very active within her family, as well as her job and still made time to help others whether it was calling numbers at Bingo or serving congregate meals once a week at the community center or delivering meals on wheels with the RSM community. 

What incident made you realize volunteering was worthwhile? 
I have had many instances that made me realize that volunteering was worthwhile, the one that touched me the most is my experience this past Christmas with the bedridden senior strolling her through her neighborhood watching the pure joy on her face as she saw the Christmas decorations along her street. 

What was the defining moment in your journey as a volunteer? 
I am not sure I can express a defining moment in my journey as a volunteer as yet, but I do know that volunteering is something I will continue to do indefinitely.