Volunteer Spotlight: Gwen Parker

Retiring from a four-decade career at USAA in 2016 did not slow things down for Gwen Parker. And with nearly two years of volunteering with AARP now under her belt, she continues to stay bright-eyed and busy in her Virginia Beach community.

Born in Washington D.C, Parker grew up in Culpeper, Virginia and the spent the early years of her career working in Fairfax. In 1990, she relocated with her son to Virginia Beach and has been there ever since.

Before retiring, she already had been volunteering in her community of Green Run by way of her church, New Jerusalem Ministries.

“I didn’t want to sit back and not do anything.” Parker said.

Through the church, she was able to play an active role in their charity-work such as feeding the homeless and helping students in summer programs.

Parker was eventually encouraged by her good friend and AARP Community Ambassador, Gaile Harrell, to check out what AARP was doing in her community and consider joining as a volunteer.

“I had heard about AARP, but all I knew was discounts,” Parker recalled. “After checking out all the things online that I didn’t know they were involved in, it really helped me to make my decision.”

Since being brought onto the team, Parker has been a huge part of AARP’s community engagement in the Virginia Beach area. She has helped with staffing the AARP table at events, but has found most satisfaction in organizing and working events such as Movies for Grownups, and weekly lunch groups.

“These events are helping us to connect with the community,” Parker said. “The main thing I like is talking to people. It’s great to see people that are glad to get out and be among the community.”

Parker said she is meeting new people all the time. She is happy to get valuable information out to people who haven’t been exposed to solutions in aging.

“Nobody’s told them anything. They just don’t know,” Parker said.

The thing that Parker says is most-rewarding about being a volunteer is the sense of self-satisfaction she feels.

“I’m glad that I helped somebody,” Parker said. “I found out people need other people, and they just want to know that you care.”

Currently, Parker is in the process of organizing a group walking schedule for 2020. Walking for Grownups is a free, open to all-ages program that seeks to help participants disrupt aging through exercise.

In addition to her service at AARP, she has volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association as well as at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

In her spare time, Parker loves to go to the beach and especially travelling. Her next travel destinations are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida.

“I still have days for me.” Parker said while laughing. After all, a vacation every year isn’t a bad way to reward herself for all she does for others year-round.

Are you interested in joining AARP’s Volunteer Team? Complete an online Interest Form, and we’ll be in touch.