Martin Novak was recently retired and looking for opportunities to volunteer in Northern Virginia when he discovered Volunteer Fairfax and their AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Northern Virginia program through a Google search. He applied to the program and recalls, “I was initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices of volunteer activities available. Ultimately, I settled on the four that I’ve gotten involved in: Farmers Market, Junior Achievement Finance Centers, providing music therapy at Insight Memory Care Centers, and Welcome Wednesdays at Volunteer Fairfax.”

A resident of Fairfax County for the past 32 years, Martin enjoys giving back to his community. He reflects, “The most surprising aspect of volunteering for me is that I always get so much more out of it than I ever imagined. I love being able to make a difference – big or small – in the community that I live, which was one of my goals when I set out to volunteer.”

He performs music therapy once a month at two locations of the Insight Memory Care Centers in Northern Virginia. He explains, “At each location, I perform and encourage those gathered to sing along to songs that they know. Seeing the smiles, and the group singing along is a gift. After my most recent performance in Fairfax, one of the ladies there came up to me and said, ‘Thank you, do you mind if I give you a hug?’ It’s really a special, special opportunity for me to share my talent and I get far more out of it than I ever anticipated. My father had dementia, and I had an aunt and uncle who also suffered from dementia, so I knew I wanted to do something to help, and music provided the perfect opportunity to do that. It is one of the best things I have ever done – period.“

In addition, Martin has served as a Volunteer Market Coordinator at the Farmers Market in Burke, Virginia, since April 2024, where he coordinates co-volunteers, supports the musicians that perform at the weekly market, and meets market-goers of all ages. At the Junior Achievement Finance Center, he also builds financial literacy for groups of 120 to 150 7th and 8th grade students from Fairfax County Public Schools. “I enjoy seeing the wheels turning as the kids start to understand the difference between needs and wants, what budgeting means, and that life truly is more complicated and expensive than they had ever imagined,” says Martin. “I usually participate once a month or when the center is short on volunteers.”

Considering AmeriCorps Seniors? “Don’t consider – do!,” says Martin. “There are a thousand and one opportunities for anyone looking to volunteer and whatever you do is appreciated by the community you serve and the service provider. It’s a great way to meet others who are volunteering and a low-pressure way to get involved.”