Turning Compassion into Action
At Providence Ministries for the Needy, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. This month, we are proud to recognize Diana Waterman, whose kindness, dedication, and natural ability to connect with others have made a meaningful impact on our community.
Diana was born and raised in Springfield, spent many years in Southwick, and now resides in West Springfield. A recently widowed mother of three, she is now enjoying retirement while staying active through her hobbies—especially spending time with her American Bulldog, Lena, and tending to her vegetable and flower gardens.
Before retiring, Diana spent 15 years working in housekeeping at a senior living residence. During that time, she formed close bonds with the residents, often going beyond her responsibilities to brighten their days. Whether it was lending a helping hand or simply sitting and talking, Diana treated residents like family. “You get close with them,” she says, reflecting on the relationships she built. Her compassion and care left a lasting impression on those she served.
After retiring, Diana found herself with both time and a strong desire to give back. She was already familiar with Providence Ministries through her late brother-in-law, Fred Waterman, who participated in the Sober Living Program, graduated from the Foodworks program, and served as the lunchtime cook at Kate’s Kitchen until his passing last year. Inspired by his connection to the organization, Diana decided it was time to get involved herself.
Knowing her love for cleaning and organizing, Diana quickly became an invaluable asset at St. Jude’s Thrift Store, where she partnered with Susan Fournier on a major cleanup effort. Diana helped sort through clothing and goods, remove unsold inventory, clean shelves, and refresh the space—transforming it into a more welcoming and organized environment for customers.
Today, Diana continues to volunteer regularly at St. Jude’s, assisting customers during store hours. She has built relationships with regular shoppers while also welcoming new faces, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere. She looks forward to seeing the people she’s met—and they look forward to seeing her. When asked why others should volunteer, Diana shared: “You get personal satisfaction from being there for someone—whether it’s conversation, helping with loneliness, or just assisting them with something they are shopping for.”
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Susan Fournier praises Diana’s initiative and warmth: “Diana knows exactly what to do. She just comes in and gets to work—you don’t even have a chance to think about what needs to be done. She organizes, and she has such a lovely way with people. She just engages.”
Associate Director Michael Nowak agrees, adding that Diana excels in customer service skills and is simply “perfect for this position.”
Diana’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering is not just about giving time—it’s about building connections, sharing compassion, and creating a sense of belonging for others.
