Our Volunteers

Elders in Action is powered by the wisdom and talent of our volunteers. People of all backgrounds and experience share their unique skills to improve the lives of others. Enjoy some of their stories on the "Our Volunteers" page.

2009 Elders in Action Volunteer Awards

Those Who Can Do More - VOLUNTEER

Robert Mandelson
Bob Nelson Volunteer Award
Bob began his outstanding involvement with Elders in Action four years ago. He is an active Elder Friendly Evaluator, Personal Advocate, Board Member, and outstanding promoter of Elders in Action. He is always willing to speak to community groups and attend outreach events for Elders in Action. He continuously reaches out to the business community forpossible Elder Friendly Business evaluation and is our biggest cheerleader in Clark County. He has worked on Timeless Treasures and Silver, our fundraising events. We always appreciate the thoughtful insight and advice that our honoree brings to the agency.

Dennis Frantz
Personal Advocate Volunteer of the Year
After owning his own business for 23 years in downtown Portland and retiring, Dennis was looking for a opportunity where he could make a difference and have an impact on lives. He came to Elders in Action to volunteer in the Personal Advocate program in the summer of 2007 and since then he has assisted over 20 clients with problems in the area of housing, health care or crime and abuse. A majority of the people he has assisted happen to be widows who are in need of some sort of assistance and whom are so appreciative of him coming out to help them find resolution. Dennis is always willing to take on a case, participate in new volunteer trainings and looks for new outreach opportunities for Elders in Action. He is often referred to as the "King of King City" around the office. He is also a part of our speaker's bureau program where he enjoys educating older adults about scams and frauds and helping to keep them safe and informed,

Duane Damiano
Community Outreach of the Year
Duane came to Elders in Action in the spring of 2008 looking for a volunteer opportunity after retiring and recently relocating to the Portland area. He originally started volunteering his time in the Community Safety Advocate Program working primarily out of the Kenton Contact Office. When Elders in Action received a grant from the National Area Agency on Aging to help older adults with the digital TV conversion,Duane really stepped up and responded to our need for volunteer assistance. He assisted 40 older adults get connected to the digital television conversion. He volunteered endless hours and was willing to travel throughout the tri-county area to help those in need. The impact Duane has had on older adults in the community is amazing and the people he has assisted have been incredibly grateful.

Augusta Hayter
Commission Advocate of the Year
Augusta (Gussie) Hayter who has been working on many levels since she became involved with Elders in Action in 2005. Gussie has been advocating for the right's of her fellow tenants in her senior apartment building and is the 'go to' person for solutions and connections. For the past four years she has been a very active Commission member and serves as our 1st Vice Chair. Gussie served as the Elders in Action representative on the Police Chief's Forum and in 2007 she received an Award from Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer honoring her work in promoting the community policing effort in a distinctive way. Gussie is always available to educate her peers on the important issues and effectively represents the SE Senior Advisory Committee of Impact NW.

Margaret Clark
Elder Friendly Evaluator of the Year
Margaret has been working with Elders in Action Elder Friendly Business program since 2005 when two of her friends encouraged her to get involved with the organization. She immediately became involved with the program and has helped business throughout the tri-county area better serve the older customer. This year alone she has evaluated 29 businesses and has been willing to take on those tough assignments that nobody else wants to take. When she phones or comes into the office her cheery disposition brightens up the staff's day. She has since joined other Elders in Action programs including the Commission and Ride Wise Program.

Other Volunteers' Stories

Robert Hamilton

Frances Spak

Ann Crowder

View all our volunteers stories...