Wednesday, November 28, 2012

November 2012- Met Council Volunteer of the Month


The Jack of All Trades, Geoff Cutler
Congratulations to Geoff Cutler, our November 2012 Volunteer of the Month!
Geoff is originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania and is a part of his family’s business, Race-West Company which distributed potatoes and onions nationwide. He moved to New York City in 2008 and enjoys playing basketball and volunteering during his free time.
Geoff first heard about Met Council through his friend, Stefanie Greenberg who is the manager of our volunteer department. When he went looking for community service opportunities, he knew just who to turn to and the rest is history.
He began his volunteering experience at Met Council at the Sunday Senior Lunch Program. After demonstrating leadership and devotion, he was nominated to become a Volunteer Leader for the program. Ever since becoming a leader, he has engaged countless volunteers and built lasting relationships with Met Council’s low-income seniors.
His time at the Senior Lunch Program has become much more than volunteering. Speaking of his experience, he said, “The most rewarding part of volunteering for me is to see the smiles on the faces of the elderly we are helping. Although it is a small three hour lunch program, once a week, I feel that the program allows for the residents to socialize with each other, socialize with the volunteers, and be reminded of what it means to be part of a community. For residents It can be stressful to live alone and fend for themselves. This program allows the residents to see that the Met Council is there for them and that people care about their well being. “
He is an exemplary leader and has stepped up on several occasions. During our Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, he answered our last minute call for volunteers to head out to Seagate Brooklyn. Geoff has also led the Senior Lunch Program on short notice after cancellations of other leaders. Because of this, we were able to hold the program as usual without cancellation and denying the seniors a much needed hot meal.

For Geoff, it is “important to give back to others that are less fortunate. I am very grateful for everything in my life and I feel that giving back is a great way to show it.” He continues to demonstrate his commitment to Met Council’s mission to fight poverty. Even though he leads the Senior Lunch Program several times a month amongst other volunteering and work commitments, he plans on also getting involved with our new program, “Just the Boys” to mentor at-risk youth. 

No comments: