Bierly, of Dover Township, volunteers as an APPRISE counselor. He has been self-employed most of his life and decided he wanted to stay busy and help other people during retirement.

“Medicare is as complicated as our tax system,” Bierly said. “I like to steer people through it. Organizations like YCAAA are always in need of volunteers, who provide a valuable free service to the public. So find your niche and help.”

Gallagher, of Springettsbury Township, also volunteers as an APPRISE counselor. He believes that his career in the commercial casualty insurance industry gives him an understanding of how insurance is supposed to work.

“I felt I could help others navigate the Medicare process, knowing how confusing it was for me. The whole process can be daunting,” Gallagher said. “There is a world of satisfaction that comes from solving someone’s problems or helping them complete their Medicare process.”

Hamme, of Spring Garden Township, volunteers as a financial counselor. She feels that it is important to be involved in her community, and by volunteering, she is making a direct impact on the lives of others.

“To me, volunteering is like letting a car in when a lane is closed; if each person let in just one car, there wouldn’t be a pile-up. If each person volunteered a little bit, then the need would not be so great,” Hamme said.