Interim director Joanne Maher has been named the new executive director for Island Volunteers Caregivers.
She became interim director in late May when Laura Van Dyke stepped down for personal reasons.
Carol White, IVC board president, said: “Joanne has the passion, experience and big heart to lead IVC. Our island’s population of people 65 years and older is fast approaching 27 percent. She’ll be absolutely terrific working alongside our partners, including the city and the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center, as we assess changing needs and usher in any new approaches to advocate for our community’s elders living dignified, independent lives.”
Maher will be responsible for day-to-day operations, plus fundraising, for IVC, a social services nonprofit on Bainbridge Island known for its network of volunteers supporting seniors and people needing assistance in order to stay in their homes or those who have temporary or long-term medical needs.
Maher said: “I hold our seniors with the utmost respect and admiration. They have paved the way for so many of us, and it’s our duty to make sure that they can happily and comfortably live their lives to the fullest, wherever they choose,” she said. “I get to go home every day knowing that we’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”
Prior to joining IVC, Maher spent 20 years developing and managing strategic partnerships for companies such as Lotus Development and IBM. She is the former director of the Bainbridge Healthy Youth Alliance and is a former board member of Raising Resilience and Hyla Middle School. Inspired by the care her mother received before she passed away, Maher was an eager IVC volunteer ready to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations and deliver groceries. She moved to BI with her husband and three children in 2007.
Meanwhile, Robin Gaphni, who managed IVC’s volunteer program, is now director of programs and will oversee volunteer, care receiver programs, life-enrichment and community resource programs.
Since 1996, IVC has worked in the community to support life-enriching connections. IVC’s free services include transportation for medical appointments and errands, grocery and prescription pickup and life-enrichment activities, such as the Kreaky Knees walking group and field trips to BI Museum of Art and Bainbridge Cinemas. IVC also offers two grief support programs. During the pandemic, IVC joined others to help over 700 adults age 70-plus get their COVID vaccinations. The partnership recently received a Humanitarian Award from Bainbridge Community Foundation.
For more go to ivcbainbridge.org
