A local woman is giving back the most precious gift of all – her time – to those who helped her regain her health at Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living on Route 1 in Scarborough.

Jeannie Guenard, of Scarborough, has been volunteering nearly every Tuesday since last summer as a way to say thank you to Scarborough Terrace staff who helped her make a full recovery from a medical issue. Due to the outstanding care she received at the community, Guenard was able to return home to her husband and start driving again.

“The staff and residents at Scarborough Terrace had everything to do with my recovery,” said Guenard. “If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be today. I was treated so wonderfully during my stay there, and it was important for me to pay that back. Volunteering made perfect sense to me.”

Wherever she is needed in the community, Guenard is there to help. She enjoys visiting one on one with the residents, many of whom she met during her stay there. Her favorite and most popular activity is leading a program called Guided Meditation, which teaches peaceful exercises in breathing and relaxation. During this time, she may also read a poem or short story and offer opportunities for inward reflection. Guenard understands the importance of exercising the mind in addition to the body.

“I’m there to help people talk to one another,” said Guenard. “I like pushing them to think. We always have a good time being together. Scarborough Terrace is such a special place full of special people.”

“Mrs. Guenard is caring and bright and a true friend to Scarborough Terrace,” said Elizabeth Simonds, marketing manager at Scarborough Terrace. “Her story is one of hope, heart and giving. She’s a great example of expressing thanks through simple and heartwarming ways.”

Jeannie Guenard volunteers at Scarborough Terrace.Courtesy photo