LEWISTON – The Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH program has had many individuals volunteer their time, talent and treasure since the program began in 1975.

Larry LaChance joined SEARCH about 25 years ago as a volunteer, where he was first matched with a Lithuanian man who he visited every week for 17 years until the man’s death in 1995.

LaChance recalls, “Many visits were very stressful, for he was very particular on what I bought for him in groceries or other needs that he had. But all in all, I learned a lot from him. He was a very intelligent man, with the ability to speak five languages and his many experiences during World War II.”

During his first year as a volunteer, LaChance was asked to join the Advisory Committee for the program. It wasn’t long after that he became committee chairman and has been for nearly 20 years.

LaChance has been a strong advocate for the program, helping to establish its direction, seeking funding, and supporting its growth.

LaChance said he has always felt a special connection with the elderly that probably started because his parents had a rooming house where he was always surrounded with older people as a child.

Irene Coady started her volunteer work with SEARCH in February 1977. Her first husband had died in January of that year and she had four young children. Yet she felt that she wanted to help the elderly.

Coady had read about the SEARCH program in the newspaper and that they needed items for a bazaar being planned. She provided “lots of good stuff,” made a little “sugar house” for them and worked at the bazaar.

Her last client, “Aurore,” who called Coady her “guardian angel,” died in May 2002. Coady had cared for her like she was a relative for 18 years. She did many errands for her, took her shopping, to doctor’s appointments, out for a ride to the ocean, helped her with her bills and cooked and baked. Often Coady loaded her freezer with homecooked meals and always made sure she had a holiday meal.

Coady said, “I still like to be involved with the program because, when I think of what I am able to do, I feel I am so fortunate. I feel that I get pleasure in doing for the elderly. I love to make a person smile and I always start it with a smile of my own.”