Local resident says volunteering keeps her young

“You’re never too old to use your time and talent” is Barbara Yockey’s life philosophy. “We’re on this earth to help one another,” she says. “If we can help someone through our volunteering, why not?”

The Carroll Lutheran Village resident was recognized for her lifetime of service through her recent induction into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, which honors the volunteer civic and humanitarian accomplishments and achievements of individual Maryland senior citizens. She was nominated by longtime friend, Connie Browning, who describes Barbara as “an inspiration to her fellow residents and those she comes in contact with through her volunteerism.”

Surprised by the recognition, Barbara explains, “I’m doing it because I love it. When I heard some of the stories about what other volunteers have done, it’s humbling. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, there are so many wonderful people out here doing these amazing things.'”

Barbara joined the Carroll Lutheran Village community in 2005, first as a volunteer and later, in 2010, as a resident. “At 67, Barbara was one of our younger residents,” says Executive Director John Henry. “Moving here gave Barbara the freedom and opportunities to pursue new purpose and passions. She’s touched the lives of so many people at Carroll Lutheran Village and in the Carroll County community.”

“I moved here at a fairly young age,” recalls Barbara, now 77. “Most people wait until they’re older, and I for one think that’s a mistake. When you move in when you’re younger, you are able to do a lot of things which makes it easier to volunteer.”

Barbara’s first role model for volunteer service was her mother, Anna. “Volunteering has always been a part of my life. My mother was a giving person. Anybody needed anything, she was always there,” says Barbara.

Barbara volunteered at her children’s school, with scouting, and a variety of organizations. She devoted most of her time to her church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Reistertown, traveling together with Connie to offer home communion and visitation to keep people connected to their faith.

True to her philosophy, Barbara started volunteering with Friends of the Village Auxiliary, providing Diven House residents friendship and fellowship during activities.

Earlier this year, Barbara completed 50 hours of rigorous training to become a Stephen Minister, expanding the reach of clergy by providing Christian care to people experiencing grief, illness, or distress through confidential counseling.

“I’m a people person,” explains Barbara. “I think you need to be a people person. You’re there to listen, you’re there to support. It’s a joy. A hug goes a long way.”

For many years, Barbara was a familiar face to patrons at the Carroll Lutheran Village Corner Gift Shop, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. In addition to serving as the shop’s treasurer, she managed inventory, schedules and records, and attended gift trade shows to stay current on trends. She sewed walker bags and adult cover ups to sell at the shop. Gift shop proceeds benefit the Ministry of Caring Fund at Carroll Lutheran Village, supporting residents who have outlived their financial resources.

Barbara has served on the Library Committee and makes herself available for any assignment to help where most needed. She surpassed President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Level status (500-plus hours) in 2018 for her support of Carroll Lutheran Village.

Barbara says volunteering keeps her young, and she encourages others to join her as a volunteer. “I work on people all the time to volunteer, I really do,” says Barbara. “They will get so much out of it, so much pleasure. It’s a terrific way to meet people.

Carroll Lutheran Village is a faith-based not-for-profit senior living community located at 300 St. Luke Circle, Westminster, for adults 55 years old and better looking to live their best lives. Operated by Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland, Carroll Lutheran Village is a full-service continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory support. Its sister community, The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, is located in Ellicott City, Maryland. For more information, visit www.clvillage.org, @CarrollLutheranVillage on Facebook, or call 410-415-1723.