Volunteer Nancy Young: “We all need to be helping each other.”

As a child, Nancy Young and her mother would often go to New Jersey to visit her grandmother who was blind. They’d help her clean the house and run errands. “The memories of my time with my grandmother are near and dear to my heart,” she said. Those cherished memories are what enticed her to connect with VisionCorps.

Growing up, Nancy’s parents encouraged her to volunteer. In high school, she helped feed clients at a nursing home. In later years, she volunteered as a youth mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has also volunteered for her church. She was looking forward to having more time to volunteer when she retired from her career in human resources. As it happened, she retired in 2020, right when the pandemic was in full swing.

“By 2022, I was chomping at the bit to find a way to volunteer,” Nancy said. “I searched online for something in Lancaster County that would be fun and rewarding to do. I really like meeting new people, and I was eager to find an opportunity where I could have direct personal connection with the people I was helping.”

VisionCorps was seeking volunteer drivers to take clients to medical appointments, monthly support group meetings, and other activities. It seemed like it could be the perfect fit. “In addition to being a safe driver, I knew the job would require empathy and patience,” Nancy said. “I’m someone who understands the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. I enjoy building rapport with people.” During her orientation training, she learned important techniques such as how to guide a person with low or no vision.

After she drives clients to their medical and dental appointments, Nancy will sometimes take them to a pharmacy, bank, or grocery store if they need to run a quick errand. “Some people tell me how much they miss being able to drive themselves, and I know what I do is important. I love the flexibility. I never feel pressured. It’s a pleasure; I look forward to it. I have what I call ‘my regulars’ and I like them so much! I’m so honored to drive them and get to know them personally.”

“In my professional life, I’ve always regarded myself as a representative of my company,” Nancy said. “I feel comfortable being a personal representative for VisionCorps with the clients and the public. Through VisionCorps, we can all do so much to improve someone’s quality of life. I encourage everyone, regardless of age, to volunteer and to spread the word. People may be unaware of the resources that are available right here in our community. We all need to be helping each other.”