When Retirement Becomes a Calling
When Ann Andras retired in 2024 from her role as Social Services Coordinator at the South Hadley Senior Center, she suddenly found herself with something she hadn’t had in years—time. Time to breathe, time to reflect, and time to wonder what came next. But for someone whose entire career had been rooted in helping others, the answer arrived quickly.
One afternoon, Ann watched a Mass Appeal segment highlighting the work of Providence Ministries and the growing need for volunteers. Something in that story tugged at her. It wasn’t dramatic or complicated—just a simple, steady pull toward service. “I was inspired to come to Providence Ministries because I just wanted to help,” she later said. And with that, she filled out a volunteer application and stepped into a new chapter.
Ann’s background in social services made Loreto House feel instantly familiar. The faces were new, the building different, but the heart of the work—human connection—was the same. She found herself greeting residents, handing out mail, chatting one-on-one, and offering the kind of small, meaningful interactions that brighten someone’s day. “It’s very similar to my past work,” she reflected. “There’s a lot of direct contact with clients. Saying hello, giving residents their mail—both provide a social benefit to people who may not have those positive interactions.”
As the weeks passed, Ann discovered something unexpected: a renewed appreciation for the generosity of the community. She watched clothing and food donations arrive at the door, each bag and box a quiet reminder of how deeply people care. She saw the dedication of the staff, the resilience of the residents, and the steady impact of Providence Ministries’ work. “The staff are wonderful. All the residents are great,” she said. “Being here, I’ve become aware of the generosity of the community.”
Ann’s volunteer role is a blend of practical tasks and heartfelt service. She answers phones, completes data entry, organizes mail, helps with filing, and manages the front door. But she also does something less tangible and far more powerful: she offers dignity, warmth, and compassion to the unhoused individuals who come seeking clothing, food, or simply a kind word.
When people ask her why she volunteers—or what they should do if they’re considering it—her answer is simple and sincere. “Do it. Be open to where you are needed, and where you are supposed to be. Be open to where you are led.” She laughs gently when she admits that she originally planned to do something completely different from her past career. “But God had another plan,” she says. “His plan was for me to be at Providence Ministries.”
And so, Ann continues to show up—steady, warm, and ready to help—proving that retirement isn’t an ending at all. For her, it’s a continuation of a lifelong calling: to serve, to listen, and to make the world just a little kinder, one person at a time.
