Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Stalder

I have been volunteering with the Goodman Center for over 4 years. I mostly work with the senior meal program, once per week. I have also, over the years with my grandkids, helped to work Goodman’s Backpack drive and in the Food Pantry with the Goodman Groceries that are given to childcare families every week in the summer.

When working the senior meals, I get to see how much of a difference the program makes in people's lives every day. You often see people trying to cram too many chairs at one table, or making plans together for the evening, just so they can spend as much time with their Goodman friends as possible. It feels good to be at Goodman any day that I walk in the doors.

I also helped my church, Plymouth UCC, develop a partnership with Goodman, and I serve as the lead coordinator of the partnership. My church has been involved with the Goodman Center since it was our neighbor, the Atwood Center, on Atwood Avenue.

I was raised in Madison and was taught growing up how important it is to volunteer, to advocate for others and to provide support to fellow community members. When you volunteer, you get to see differences being made in peoples’ lives, whether they are young kids or Older Adults. For some folks, a place like Goodman is their only support system. You know how they say “It takes a village”? I believe that Goodman is part of that village for so many people.

Prior to retiring, I was a clinical social worker for a nonprofit doing family therapy. After starting my own family, I began working as a social worker in the schools. This work has also inspired how I have decided to spend time in my retired life.

Aside from volunteering, I am involved in social justice advocacy, particularly regarding immigration rights. I love crafting, including making quilts and cake-making and decorating. I just started learning how to play bridge and also enjoy a good kayak ride. I am so grateful to be part of so many special things in my community.