MVES Welcomes New Community Programs Director

Vida Poole, Director of Community Programs

Volunteerism is an important part of MVES and the agency’s 400+ volunteers contribute to the community in numerous ways. From SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) volunteers to Reading Partners, volunteers have a visible impact on people of all ages throughout the community.

MVES is happy to welcome Vida Poole who will serve as the community programs director and lead MVES' volunteer efforts.

A native of Massachusetts, Vida comes to MVES from the American Red Cross. She is the former director of volunteer resources for the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay. Vida was at the Red Cross for eleven years and oversaw numerous volunteer and youth programs for the chapter.

When asked what brought her to MVES, Poole said, “It’s a great opportunity to do something different but still work with volunteers. At MVES, I’ll have a larger management role and I look forward to planning the future development of the Community Programs department.”

Such development encompasses many volunteer-based programs that include SHINE, Reading Partners, Money Management, Nutrition, and Project SAFE. MVES also is a sponsor for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a federal program that organizes volunteers for a variety of community projects.

“Our immediate goal is to recruit volunteers for the SHINE and Reading Partners programs,” said Poole. “SHINE counselors are needed to help explain the numerous changes in Medicare and prescription drug insurance plans and Reading Partners is expanding to a new city.”

Both SHINE and Reading Partners programs go beyond MVES’ usual, eight-community area of service. SHINE covers 21 communities in Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk Counties. Because Reading Partners is part of RSVP, the program covers 18 communities in Middlesex County. Beginning in the fall, Reading Partners will expand to two schools in Everett and an additional school in Malden. Volunteers are needed to help children improve their reading abilities through one-on-one instruction. Please contact Community Programs if you are interested in these or any other volunteer opportunities. The department can be reached at 781-324-7705 or you can request more information by clicking here.

“The Community Services Department is an essential component of MVES and it’s involvement with surrounding communities,” said Daniel J. O’Leary, executive director of MVES. “We are happy to welcome Vida Poole and we look forward to the energy and innovation she’ll bring to our volunteer programs.”