CEO Corner: February 2025

Seniors in Service CEO Robin Ingles smiling with a volunteer at a Tampa Bay volunteer appreciation luncheon.

Connection is what we’re missing — and what we’re building together. As a new year begins, Seniors in Service is focused on bringing people closer through acts of service that combat loneliness and create real, lasting relationships. Across Tampa Bay, volunteers are stepping away from the noise and showing up for others, proving that presence, compassion, and connection can change lives — including their own.

A Message From Robin Ingles

As the calendar turns to a new year, we’re setting our sights on a significant focus: fostering connections, combating loneliness, and strengthening our community through service. Volunteering is much bigger than just acts of kindness; it’s a lifeline to those facing isolation and has the power to bring us closer together in a world that often feels divided.

Service to one another is the antidote to many of society’s challenges. We have so much communication now and hardly any connection.

This lack of connection impacts everyone, from seniors living alone to individuals overwhelmed by the noise of modern life. But there’s a simple answer: service. Every time you volunteer, whether mentoring a child, visiting a senior, supporting a veteran, or feeding hungry families, you are bridging the gap between people and creating genuine, meaningful relationships.

Each year, the growing crisis of loneliness and social isolation rises; it’s the root cause of so many challenges. While there are no easy fixes, we know the path forward lies in showing up. Start by putting your phones down, stop looking at screens, and get out there. Be with people, young or old, even those who might disagree with you. Volunteering is about connection, resilience, and the power of being present for one another.

This year, we have the opportunity to act with intention. Let’s invite more people to join our mission of service. Volunteering may not always be easy. It takes effort. But, trust me, living with purpose is so much better than easy.

This is our year of connection, compassion, and community. Join us and bring a friend!