Behind The Scenes With A "Couple" Of Volunteers

As husband and wife, Tom and Barbara Maccarone share more than their last name, their home, and their love for each other. They share an interest in helping people. In fact, both volunteer for MVES. But the Maccarones are connected to MVES even beyond their volunteerism—their daughter, Julie Souliotis, is a case manager here! We recently caught up with Mr. and Mrs. Maccarone to get their take on volunteering for MVES.

Involvement with MVES is a family affair for the Maccarones. Barbara and Tom volunteer and their daughter, Julie Souliotis (Maccarone), is a case manager at MVES.

Editor: Mr. and Mrs. Maccarone, which MVES programs do you volunteer for?

Mrs. Maccarone: I’ve been a Money Management volunteer since October. I am paired up with the sweetest woman who has lost her vision and is unable to see her mail or bills. I visit her home twice a month for a few hours to help her read her incoming mail, write checks, and balance her checkbook. She is as sharp as a tack, but needs help because she can’t see her mail.

Mr. Maccarone: I completed my training to become a SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) volunteer in October. Since then, I’ve been coming into the MVES office once a week for about four hours to help people who are looking for advice about health insurance. I spend most of the time returning phone calls to answer elders’ questions about Medicare Part D.

Editor: How did you get involved in volunteering for MVES?

Mrs. Maccarone: My husband and I both recently retired and we were looking for something to do with our time. Our daughter, Julie, is a case manager at MVES and told us that the agency could always use volunteer help. We were both interested.

Editor: You’re retired now, but do you feel that your professional experience is useful when volunteering?

Mr. Maccarone: We were both teachers. I think the constant interactions that we’ve had with people during our careers really help when volunteering.

Mrs. Maccarone: I agree. We’re both able to relate to all different types of people and personalities and that carries over from our professional lives.

Editor: Have you faced any challenges as volunteers for the Money Management Program or SHINE?

Mrs. Maccarone: Honestly, I haven’t faced any challenges as a Money Management volunteer. Everyone at MVES has been very supportive through the whole experience. I haven’t complained, have I? (Looking at her husband)

Mr. Maccarone: Nope! For me, the biggest challenge was the volume of information I had to learn about health insurance. I can understand why elders might feel overwhelmed at first. It’s quite a big responsibility to help people determine the best choice for their health insurance. You just want to make sure that you have all the correct information and that you’re suggesting what is right for each person that you advise.

Editor: How did you learn such a great deal of information, Mr. Maccarone?

Mr. Maccarone: To become a SHINE volunteer, I completed 50 hours of training, which was administered by a representative from the state’s SHINE program. I was one of twelve in the training at MVES. We had to pass a certification test before we were able to start interacting directly with elders. I also do extra studying on my own.

Editor: What do you find is most valuable about being a volunteer?

Mrs. Maccarone: You really feel that you’re doing something very worthwhile when you see how important your assistance is to the client. The woman I help seems so grateful for everything I do for her.

Mr. Maccarone: Knowing that I can help solve people’s problems and offer them comfort is most valuable. Because health insurance options can be confusing, it’s nice to help them feel that things are going to work out.

Editor: What would you tell someone who is considering becoming a volunteer?

Mrs. Maccarone: I’d say, “Go for it!” You’ll know you're making a difference after your very first meeting with a client.

Mr. Maccarone: As long as people can make a commitment, I’d recommend it. In the SHINE program, knowing that you are helping people get their health insurance in order is really quite a rush.

Editor: And finally, how does it feel to be a husband and wife volunteer team?

Mrs. Maccarone: Because we volunteer for different programs, we don’t always feel like a “volunteer team.” However, for the first time today I’m bringing my husband along on a visit to my Money Management client so he can help her with some mail regarding health insurance. Since we both volunteer, I think we can relate to each other’s experiences….We also have a more in depth understanding of MVES. We’ve developed a better appreciation and understanding of what my daughter does as an MVES case manager.