At Southminster, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down. It’s an opportunity for our residents to discover new interests, embrace new freedoms, and give back in ways they always hoped to. Life moves quickly with work, family, and responsibilities. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day without much time to reflect on what truly fills our cup. After settling into a new rhythm, many begin searching for something meaningful — to find new ways that inspire them each day. For many of our residents, that answer lies in volunteering. And as long-time volunteer Steve Emmanuel put it best, “The thing about volunteering is that you’ll often get more out of it than the people you are doing it for.”
Our residents don’t just enjoy being part of a community. They actively make it richer and stronger. From supporting neighbors on campus to partnering with local organizations, volunteering is woven into daily life. It’s not simply about giving time; it’s about connecting with others and showing you care. Opportunities range from one-on-one companionship to community outreach projects, with roles to match every interest and ability.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Madeline Chandler, Life Enrichment Coordinator, and Marnie Rodgers, resident and Chair of the Volunteer Committee, help guide volunteer efforts across campus. Alongside the committee, they work to understand residents’ interests and experiences, ensuring that everyone’s time and talents are used in meaningful and fulfilling ways. Much of their focus supports Embrace Health, Southminster’s Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing neighborhoods. Independent Living residents regularly volunteer there — helping with activities, offering companionship, and transporting neighbors to events.
Sometimes it’s the smallest moments that leave the biggest impact: a shared story, a familiar song, a few extra minutes of conversation.
Marnie Rodgers has a unique perspective on volunteering at Southminster. She served with various organizations throughout her life, but her priorities shifted when her late husband, John, became ill and required more care. She became his full-time caregiver for as long as she was able before he transitioned to Embrace Health.
While John was there, Marnie rediscovered her love for volunteering and saw firsthand how it impacted him. Several men helped him get to his favorite activities and would often sit with him and chat. To them, he wasn’t a patient or a stranger — he was simply John, a friend they genuinely cared about. Those acts of kindness brightened John’s days and, in turn, Marnie’s. She shared that volunteering helped them both rediscover a sense of purpose during that season of their lives.
“Volunteering is a real part of me,” Marnie says, “and I’m so impressed with the people who do a lot more than I do, but the opportunities are there. Whether you want to do something short-term, long-term, or quiet and behind the scenes, it’s all here for us. I love living in a community where volunteering is an essential part of daily life.”
Extending Our Hearts to the Community
In 2018, Southminster resident Dr. Julian Albergotti connected the Greater Enrichment Program’s Executive Director, Bronica Glover, with Southminster’s Vice President of Philanthropy & Strategic Initiatives, Tracy McGinnis — sparking a partnership that continues to enrich lives across generations.
The Greater Enrichment Program (GEP) is a licensed after-school organization serving more than 10,000 at-risk elementary students across three Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools sites. Through high-quality enrichment programming, GEP supports students academically, culturally, and socially in a safe, nurturing environment.
Over the past seven years, this collaboration has included support for after-school programs, back-to-school supplies, holiday concerts, and a thriving intergenerational reading program led by Southminster’s Life Enrichment team.
Each month during the school year, residents and students come together for “Reading Buddies,” building confidence and connection one page at a time. Holiday celebrations and an end-of-year Summer Fun Day further strengthen these bonds. Residents and employees are encouraged to volunteer and experience the meaningful impact of this special intergenerational relationship.
The Impact
For those receiving support, volunteering brings companionship and tangible care. For volunteers, it fosters connection, meaning, and joy — something we see firsthand throughout our community. Our continued volunteer efforts reinforce what makes Southminster special: a culture where residents look out for one another and step forward to support our greater community.
Resident Lila Brown shared that volunteering has always been part of her life, so continuing in retirement felt natural. “It’s a nice way to give back. It gives you a chance to expand your learning experience and do something different. Plus, you get to see really cool programs if you volunteer, so it has many benefits for everyone involved!” Lila previously served as chair of the Volunteer Committee and continues to stay involved while also serving as Southminster’s Resident Mayor.
Anne Davant, another past Volunteer Committee Chair, remains deeply involved and now serves as Library Committee Chair, where residents assist with managing the library on a flexible schedule. She shared that she never struggles to find volunteers, as residents simply select a week they’re available, making it easy to serve as much or as little as they’d like. Anne also leads a crossword activity for Embrace Health residents, an accessible and engaging program that supports brain health and is especially meaningful for those with limited mobility.
When asked what motivates her to continue volunteering, Anne shared, “Volunteering enriches your life. You get to go somewhere where people are not just like you. I think people are sometimes afraid of that, but they don’t realize what gifts they have to offer, and they really do have so much to offer!”
Volunteering at Southminster isn’t about obligation — it’s about opportunity. It’s an invitation to continue living with intention and purpose. In our community, giving back isn’t just something we do. It’s who we are.