At Hawaii SHIP, our volunteers are the heart of our mission to support kūpuna and their families. Today, we shine a spotlight on one of our incredible volunteers: Sharon.
Compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated, Sharon spent over 20 years working as a social worker for the County of San Diego, where she helped older adults in a variety of capacities — even using SHIP services herself in California.
When Sharon moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, she already knew she wanted to continue giving back.
“I knew that this was the program for me. I just needed to retire. So, you could say, I waited 20 years to become a SHIP volunteer,” she said.
For the past two years, Sharon has worn many hats in her volunteer service:
Medicare Counselor — Guiding kūpuna through the complexities of Medicare.
Extra Help and Medicaid Specialist — Assisting with eligibility and applications for critical support programs.
Plan Comparison Specialist — Helping beneficiaries save money by finding the best healthcare plan for their needs.
Mentor — Training new Medicare counselors in Hilo to expand SHIP’s reach on the Big Island.
Her motivation is simple yet powerful:
“It’s very rewarding to help people and they are so grateful for any assistance. It doesn’t matter what I help with. It can be overwhelming, and people just need a little support,” Sharon shared.
Sharon encourages others to join the Hawaii SHIP volunteer team, emphasizing the supportive environment and the importance of the mission:
“Don’t be afraid to dive in. You learn as you go, and no one expects you to know everything. I search for the answers and I am not afraid to tell a caller that I don’t know and will have to get back to them,” she explained.
Thank you, Sharon, for your compassion, dedication, and tireless efforts to support Hawaii’s kūpuna. Your service makes a lasting difference every single day!
If you’re inspired by Sharon’s story, consider becoming a Hawaii SHIP volunteer and make a real impact in your community.
📞 Helpline: 808-586-7299
📞 Toll-Free: 1-888-875-9229
📞 TTY: 1-866-810-4379
🌐 Visit hawaiiship.org
Let’s navigate Medicare together — and support Hawaii’s kūpuna with aloha!
