Volunteer Opportunities

Erica True

Way Finders Board Chair
Head of Procurement, MassMutual

What inspired you to join the Way Finders board?
I joined the Way Finders Board because I believe that without stable housing, it’s incredibly difficult to succeed in any other area of life. Housing is a basic human need; Way Finders works to provide affordable housing and support services to directly address that need. I’m inspired by the entire Way Finders team, and I feel fortunate to be able to be a part of an organization that’s helping people in the Western Massachusetts community build a stable foundation to thrive.

What’s your key advice for someone looking to make an impact?
A little goes a long way. Donating your time, talent, or resources to organizations like Way Finders can make a big difference. Even small contributions can create lasting change in people’s lives and the community.

What’s a personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?
It is very hard to pinpoint one, but the thread that runs through all the achievements I am proud of is that I played a role helping others reach their full potential. Whether it is guiding friends or colleagues through personal or professional challenges or supporting organizations to achieve their goals, seeing those individuals and organizations succeed is incredibly rewarding for me.

Can you share about your first volunteer experience?
My first volunteer experience was with a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with special physical and emotional needs. I led the horses during sessions, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the pride on both the participants’ and their families’ faces as they rode these incredible animals. It continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have by providing opportunities for others to thrive.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I am a huge music fan- especially live music. Every show is unique, and I love experiencing a wide range of genres. The performance, people and energy are always different, which makes each show feel special, even if you are seeing an artist you’ve seen before.

Regina Hudson

Way Finders HOME Program Volunteer
Realtor, Homes Logic Real Estate, LLC

What has been the most rewarding aspect of volunteering with us?
Knowing that I have contributed to changing the narrative for families and our community. I have been able to provide families with knowledge, guidance, and experience for them to become homeowners and begin their post-purchase journey with strategy and professional advice. Homeownership, financial literacy, and learning are all tools to change the narrative for families and our community and I am very proud to be a part of that. With my volunteer work at Way Finders, I have had the pleasure of educating numerous families, and then helped them purchase their first home and obtain mortgage protection coverage to protect their home afterwards.

If you could tell the community one thing about the importance of giving back, what would it be?
When you help others, it actually helps you. Giving back creates a feeling of accomplishment, purpose, and feeling valuable. One of my favorite quotes by Winston Churchill is, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” When you uplift others, you uplift yourself.

What is something fun about yourself that people don’t know or other than volunteering, how do you like to spend your free time?
About a year ago, I hiked at the El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico as well as cliff jumped. It was nerve wracking and fun at the same time! I enjoy hiking. I am also a previous author and event host. I have hosted many women’s empowerment and networking events for the community. I am also a part of a non-profit organization that has issued almost $10,000 in the past few years to high school seniors to help them continue their education.

Rana Morton

Way Finders HOME Program Volunteer
Owner, Goosehead Insurance

What do you think has been the most rewarding aspect of your time volunteering with us?
I have met so many quality people with common dreams, goals and grit. My Wayfinder neighbors consistently restore my faith in our community.

If you could tell the community one thing about the importance of giving back, what would it be?
As a small business owner, it is so easy to feel isolated with my own worries, challenges, failures & successes. Giving back to the community is really a net gain. The community members I meet here keep me energized.

What is something fun about yourself that people don’t know or other than volunteering, how do you like to spend your free time?
I love working on small house projects. I like being brave to try to fix things myself, often it turns out well and other times, well…always a great learning experience.