04/01/2014
Citizens Bank and Volunteer NH recognize Kathleen Rooney with Good Citizen Award
$250 donation made in Rooney’s honor to Winchester Early Learning Center
MANCHESTER, N.H. – Citizens Bank and Volunteer NH have named Kathleen Rooney a “Good Citizen” for her outstanding commitment to the Keene community. The Good Citizen Award honors people who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to volunteerism and, through their efforts, strengthen the communities where they live and work. As part of the award, a $250 donation is being made in Rooney’s honor to Winchester Early Learning Center.
“Kathleen is a true asset to the Keene community,” said Andrew Richardson, Citizens Bank Keene branch manager. “She embodies the spirit of volunteerism with her positive attitude and willingness to help whenever needed. We are proud to work with Volunteer NH to showcase people like Kathleen and the tremendous work they do in our New Hampshire communities.”
Rooney has volunteered at Cheshire Medical Center for the past 13 years. She serves in the emergency room, comforting patients and families, liaising between patients and staff to answer questions and concerns, and assisting technicians with daily necessities such as changing beds and stocking shelves. She also volunteers in the mailroom sorting and delivering mail for the entire hospital.
“Kathleen has a social work background and hospice training, so she brings a unique perspective when helping patients and families in the ER,” said Marylouise Alther, retired director of volunteer services at Cheshire Medical Center. “She knows what to say and what not to say, and, most importantly, she knows when to listen. Kathleen demonstrates calm, reason, sincerity and empathy in her work. She is forthright and kind and one of our most valuable volunteers.”
Rooney also donates her time to many other local causes. She is on the advisory council for Neighbors in Need, where she also volunteers visiting with and assisting elderly and disabled clients to help them maintain independence. She is a member of the Monadnock Initiative for Restorative Justice, a former volunteer of 10 years for America Reads, and a former board member and current volunteer for the Thorne-Sagendorph Gallery at Keene State College. Rooney is also very involved with her church, St. James Episcopal.
“We are pleased to recognize Kathleen for her steady dedicated service,” said Gretchen Berger-Wabuti, executive director at Volunteer NH. “It’s clear that her commitment to volunteerism is making a positive impact on the lives of many community members.”
Volunteer NH, a nonprofit organization that promotes volunteerism and service in New Hampshire, sponsors and supports national service initiatives such as AmeriCorps. It also provides training, a volunteer matching service and volunteer-recognition programs.
The Good Citizen Award is part of Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities, the bank’s program designed to contribute to the economic vitality of the communities it serves. The awards will be presented on a monthly basis through November 2014, when all of this year’s Good Citizens will be honored at the Spirit of New Hampshire Awards ceremony.
Good Citizen Award nominations can be made online at www.volunteernh.org. Nominations are evaluated based on the long-term impact of the nominee’s service and how they have inspired others to get involved or contributed to a culture of volunteerism. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Questions may be directed to Charles Caldwell, administrative outreach officer, Volunteer NH, at 603.271.7200 or by sending an email to [email protected].
About Citizens Helping Citizens
Grounded in the belief that a good bank gives back to its community and to the people who live there, Citizens Helping Citizens is a program embracing the community goals of RBS Citizens Financial Group, Inc. – the commercial bank holding company serving consumer and small business customers as Citizens Bank and Charter One and commercial banking customers as RBS Citizens. The Citizens Helping Citizens program is composed of five key initiatives supported directly by RBSCFG and its nonprofit charitable foundations, the Citizens Charitable Foundation, the Citizens Bank Foundation and the Charter One Foundation: Citizens Helping Citizens Fight Hunger, Citizens Helping Citizens Provide Shelter, Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities (economic development), Citizens Helping Citizens Teach Money Management (financial education) and Citizens Helping Citizens Give (volunteerism and colleague charitable donations). Across all of these initiatives, Citizens Helping Citizens strives to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in local communities.
