When you meet Dennis Ford, 67, he is very matter-of-fact. However, underneath that straightforward exterior lies a big heart. It's this characteristic that led him to help others navigate through the complicated Medicare program by volunteering for the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at the Department of Aging.

“He really has a heart for helping people,” says Elly Jenkins, program specialist at the Department of Aging. 

Ford retired in September 2008 from SAIC, where he was an environmental scientist.  He came to Jenkins as a client to discuss Medicare part B in May 2009. She casually mentioned how busy she was and that it was quite difficult to get an appointment with her because unlike other counties in Maryland, Frederick County has very few volunteers to assist with Medicare.  As Jenkins recalls it, he called back about an hour after he left and asked, 'How do I volunteer?'  “It was probably the best phone call I've gotten since I've been in this office,” says Jenkins.

Ford says that when he retired he really had no plan of what he would do with his time, but he's enjoyed volunteering.  “It gives you some structure. It gives you some challenge,” he says.  He particularly likes interacting with and helping people. He recalls a woman in her late 80's that he helped enroll into a prescription plan and proudly relays that she would call him everyday just to say hello.  “At the bottom of this whole thing is the reward of helping people,” he says.

Ford has been with SHIP at the Department of Aging for about year and sees clients Mondays and Tuesdays, but he will come in on other days if necessary.  When he's not volunteering, you can find him shooting trap, golfing or studying the latest in healthcare reform.  Jenkins says he goes way above and beyond what she ever expected from a volunteer.

“He has been so beneficial to the SHIP program, it's hard to put into words,” says Jenkins.  “I need about five more of him.”

Volunteer Dennis Ford assists a client at the Frederick County Department of Aging recently. Staff photo by Skip Lawrence.

Volunteer Dennis Ford and Elly Jenkins at the Frederick County Department of Aging recently. Staff photo by Skip Lawrence.

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Volunteering is a good way to stay active after retirement and many non-profit organizations have on-going volunteer opportunities.  There are also several organizations that can help you find the right volunteer opportunity for you.

Volunteer Frederick's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

301-663-5214

www.volunteerfrederick.org

Volunteer Match

www.volunteermatch.org