UH to recognize Matthew House volunteer Joe Goodsell

This year’s Fred Atkins Community Service Award winner is Joe Goodsell of Auburn. Joe was selected by a committee of community volunteers and will be recognized at this year’s Annual Dinner on April 29.

A native central New Yorker, Joe was nominated by Matthew House for his outstanding volunteer service there since 2013.

Joe earned a nursing degree at Cayuga Community College, but spent his career at New Process Gear as a UAW machinist until he retired upon their closing in 2011. His father-in-law received excellent end of life care at Matthew House. Joe and his wife Penny were so moved by that care, Joe volunteered his nursing skills and has been there ever since.

“My grandmother was a big influence on me,” Joe said. “And she taught me: ‘if you have extra, share it.’ I always try to do for other people.”

Joe is valued for his positivity, kindness and willingness to help in any way. He also serves at St. Mary’s Church, helping out with their pasta dinners. Joe delivers food for Meals on Wheels, volunteered at the Cayuga County nursing home, was a member of the Aurelius Fire Department for 24 years, and now teaches swimming at the Auburn YMCA.

Unity House will honor Joe and Elaine at the organization’s annual award dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn on Monday, April 29. The public is warmly invited to attend the dinner and join in the celebration. Tickets are $80 per person. Learn more and RSVP online: https://unityhouse.org/annual-dinner/

For more information, please contact Director of Marketing and Development Kelly Buck at 315.253.6227 x 313 or kelly.buck@unityhouse.org and visit www.unityhouse.org.