Retired Couple’s Commitment to Community

Volunteer Spotlight
Rick and Joellen Roebuck have been volunteering with Berks Encore since 2012. They are a retired couple from Bern Township who have shared their time as volunteers with a number of local organizations. Rick volunteered for Big Brothers Bigs Sisters and was the Assistant Scout Master for a local Boy Scout Troop for several years. He started volunteering with Berks Encore by grocery shopping for homebound clients. Joellen continues to volunteer at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church Hamburg as a lector and Sunday School teacher for more than 20 years. The Roebuck’s also opened their home as hosts for foreign exchange students. Since 2016, they have been helping pack and deliver Meals on Wheels for Berks Encore Strausstown Center every Friday and readily step in as substitutes when needed.

For Rick and Joellen, volunteering for Berks Encore is rewarding in many ways. Delivering meals allows them to bring joy to clients who eagerly anticipate their visits. Joellen reflects on the humbling realization that they might be the only social interaction someone has that day. Despite challenges, including the pandemic, the Roebucks found gratification in continuing to provide meals when all other activities were shut down. Rick and Joellen have enjoyed getting to know Andrea, the Center Manager, and other volunteers who help to pack meals on Fridays.

Before retirement, Rick worked in management for BARTA and Joellen was a teacher at Hamburg Area High School. Grateful for successful careers, the couple is celebrating 50 years together and will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary in April. The Roebuck’s cherish family time with their loving son, and grand dog. In their free time, they indulge in travel, particularly enjoying cruises and Caribbean adventures. Rick, having visited all fifty states. Their sweet Shorkie named Nina loves to travel too. They are Penn State Football fans as Rick is a Penn State Alumni. They enjoy bowling, reading, and playing board and card games with friends. Berks Encore is thankful for the years of dedicated service the Roebuck’s provide serving older adults in Berks County and their commitment to community through their careers and volunteering.

Berks Encore continually seeks Meals on Wheels delivery drivers, particularly at the Reading Center. Those interested in contributing can find more information on the Berks Encore website, berksencore.org, or by contacting Michelle Goodhart, Volunteer Coordinator, at 610-374-3195 ext. 225 or via email at mgoodhart@berksencore.org.