“Being there is what matters to me.” That is how Linda Ackerman began her interview with me last month at the Greenfield Public Library.
LifePath and those we serve have benefited from Linda’s amazing attitude and commitment to service in Franklin County & the North Quabbin area. Over the last ten years, she has served as a LifePath volunteer in four areas: an Ombudsman at a Greenfield-based long-term care facility, a Meals on Wheels driver for a route in Turners Falls, a Money Management volunteer in both Northfield & Greenfield, and a Phone Pals volunteer who provides a friendly call each week to an older adult living alone in Athol. And, Linda also has been a joyful LifePath Walkathon participant “for forever.”
LifePath’s mission is to ensure that older adults and persons with disabilities can remain safely at home with dignity and independence; and to provide support for caregivers, including through our Community Engagement Center. Linda Ackerman is an astounding example of someone who is committed, every day, to making LifePath’s mission a reality.
“I was always a person who walked.” That is how Linda first got involved in LifePath. She joined the Walkathon because it was a Walkathon. Also, during her long professional career at Greenfield Savings Bank, she got to know a LifePath employee who was a bank customer. She became inspired by the person’s dedication to LifePath’s mission. So she got involved in the Walkthon. And kept on walking. “Giving back means something to me,” Linda shared, “and it always has. It is not about money. It is time that I give. A commitment of me and my time to help someone else.”
Linda was born and raised in Millers Falls. She said, “My parents were proud people and I cared for them later in life when they were sick. I always wanted to make a difference. I have tried to live my life by the golden rule—do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As a Girl Scout growing up, Linda had lots of opportunities to watch others. And, she loved reading books—a habit she has nurtured her whole life. She also learned that it was important, “Not to owe anyone anything.” It was a lesson her father taught her. She described her mother as a very giving person. From the both of them, she inherited a work ethic and drive to always do a job well. She has always worked to exceed the standards set before her, and in this way has been an example to many others. Doing “extra” is something she does naturally, and isn’t something she thinks about much. It is just the way she is.
Before her professional career as the Assistant Vice President of Community Outreach for Greenfield Savings Bank at the Turners Falls branch, Linda was an elementary school teacher, worked with Head Start, and volunteered at the Sheriff’s Franklin County Dog Shelter—which she still does every week! Raising her daughters, her professional career, always volunteering (at more than one place), gardening, and taking care of her pets are some of the many joys she nurtured in her life that have helped her keep perspective and balance.
In 2015, Linda experienced a terrible tragedy when her whole house and everything she owned was lost in a fire. She described the support of her Greenfield Savings Bank workplace and the community around her as outstanding during that difficult time. Even before her own situation was sorted, Linda kept on with her volunteer commitments. She shared, “What else was I going to do? I had lost everything but I still had my job and my family. So I showed up at my LifePath Ombudsman commitment the next week. It helped me.”
Linda became an ombudsman after participating in a special training and learning from LifePath’s highly skilled Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Director, Trevor Boeding. Linda’s mother had been cared for at a long-term care facility, so when Trevor asked her if she would become an ombudsman for that site, Linda said yes. She shared, “I felt I could be a strong advocate for the residents at that site because I knew the challenges there, and also had a relationship with the staff.” Having known Linda as a volunteer ombudsman now for over ten years, Trevor describes Linda as friendly, comfortable with people, and willing. He said, “Linda knows Franklin County and because of that she knows a lot of people. Into this volunteer role, she brings a strong sense about the importance of quality care and the importance of resident rights. Residents have a right to have a voice in how they are treated and to express their needs. Linda approaches a resident’s situations, or problems, in a collaborative and positive way. She is very good at listening and bringing people’s problems forward as an advocate.” Trevor continued, “Often the best way to solve a problem is at the local level. There is something about understanding the culture of a community that helps find the right solution. And Linda brings her whole self into the situation with every person she advocates for.”
As a Meals on Wheels driver, Money Manager, and a Phone Pal, Linda also brings her collaborative and positive approach into all interactions as a LifePath volunteer. She says, “Being there for someone in need is what it is all about.” And that is what volunteering at LifePath is all about.
Linda Ackerman’s tireless devotion to volunteerism communicates the message to older adults that no one is alone; there is help; and that a friendly hand is here, reaching out. This comforting support is needed now, more than ever.
