Dave walked into our office 2 years ago, just retired from a high-powered management career at Fidelity Investments.  He wanted to use his free time productively but wasn't convinced that volunteering would be right for him, given his expectations of what was available. He considered himself a "builder" and, as such, would much prefer to use his skills at a nonprofit organization with both a compelling mission and the need for someone to assist in developing its vision.

At the same time, a new organization, Newton at Home, was struggling to get off the ground as an aging-in-place program.  Despite a handful of dedicated volunteers, a capable leader and a timely and important mission, the organization had trouble getting off the ground.

Meanwhile, SOAR 55, an RSVP program, headquartered just outside Boston, Massachusetts, had spent the previous few years adapting its volunteer program to reflect the interests of volunteers like Dave Chosiad.  It had become increasingly apparent that the new generation of older adults, equipped with considerable skills and the interest in applying those skills in significant ways within nonprofit organizations, wanted something more than the usual volunteer opportunity.  While support and direct service assignments are critical functions and would always be a part of what SOAR 55 offered, there was now a remarkable opportunity to fulfill the needs of skilled volunteers by creating a program that would assist nonprofits in significant ways.  In 2006, the SOAR 55 Nonprofit Management Consulting Group program (SMCG) was launched. Qualified volunteers were trained to deliver strategic, business and marketing plans to local nonprofits.  In 2008, the SMCG program received a national award for achievement in programming from the Metropolitan Life Foundation and the National Council on Aging. In 2011, 66 trained consultants have completed over 40 projects for organizations ranging from a domestic violence agency to a pre-school program.

Through this synergistic course of events, Dave met Newton At Home. For two years, Dave brought his considerable skills to bear on developing a solid plan of action, and a total of 1,762 hours, to this important project.  Newton At Home launched in January 2011 and is well on its way to providing a top-notch program that will assist in helping elders “age in place”.

Tamara Bliss, President of Newton At Home, writes:

“Newton at Home is extremely fortunate to have Dave Chosiad as our SOAR55 adviser. Since our initial conversation on December 31, 2008, Dave has been playing a vital role in the development of Newton at Home.

Dave began working with Newton at Home at a crucial point in its history.  I had recently taken over the chairmanship of the group and was faced with myriad challenges regarding organizing a board of directors, designing a process for writing a business plan, establishing committees, and recruiting volunteers for the committees. Together we have designed a highly participative process to involve many volunteers in conducting the research, setting the priorities, and developing the business plan needed to launch Newton at Home.”