Published
October 21, 2025
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Meet Marc! A longtime DOROT volunteer, Marc gives his time to our seasonal Package Delivery program and as a Tech Coach. We caught up with Marc to learn more about what motivates him to volunteer, some of his most memorable experiences with DOROT, and how volunteering helps him feel more connected with his community.
How did you get involved with DOROT?
I first volunteered with DOROT in early 2014—shortly after I moved to New York. I sought out opportunities aligned with Jewish values and DOROT felt like a good match for tikkun olam (healing the world). Supporting Jewish and secular causes—both monetarily and with sweat equity—is important to me.
I grew up very close to my grandparents, and one great-grandparent, so I was very familiar with interacting with older generations. Helping people who gave so much to the world and learning their stories was appealing to me. I also appreciated the flexible volunteering schedules, types of opportunities, and helpful staff/leadership with whom I built relationships.
You initially volunteered for Package Delivery before becoming a Tech Coach as well. What motivated you to volunteer as a Tech Coach?
I like helping others and recognized I had a lot of practical knowledge from working at technology companies that I could share with older adults who depend on internet connectivity. I wanted to help them bridge that gap, find answers, and practice common skills.
Tech coaching seemed like a good fit and offered a flexible volunteer schedule, too. Package deliveries only happen a few times a year, but coaching can occur more frequently if that suits you. I’ve made strong relationships with neighbors and often say hello when I see them out and about. It ultimately makes me feel more connected to my community.
Have you found any similarities between Package Delivery and Tech Coaching?
You get a window into an older adult’s life an hour at a time but can still learn so much. I’ve had many personal misconceptions and biases challenged over the years because of conversations during seasonal package deliveries and tech coaching sessions. Another similarity between the two programs is that you can choose a timeslot that works best for your schedule. For example, as someone who works Monday – Friday, 9 – 5, I like that weekends are an option.
What are some of your favorite moments as a Tech Coach?
Here are two memorable ones: I became friendly with a DOROT older adult, and it evolved into a respected grandchild/grandparent dynamic. This older adult had limited contact with their immediate family and craved connection to the outside world. The computer and smartphone became critical for telehealth appointments, ordering groceries, writing a memoir, and organizing decades of digitized photos. Although this older adult passed away at the height of COVID-19, I still have their email messages wishing me happiness, sharing their gratitude, and expressing excitement they had someone else to talk to besides their doorman.
Another favorite moment was when I worked with an older adult who had nearly zero digital literacy, no at-home internet service, and low self-esteem. After a few weeks of in-person coaching sessions and “homework practice,” this senior exhibited more self-assuredness and savviness. They could send emoji characters to their grandchildren, take photos and videos of their dog, and use an e-reader for their book club to name a few skills.
Knowing I regularly help DOROT older adults stay connected to the outside world brings me a sense of satisfaction since I know it improves their overall quality of life. Additionally, I always enjoy learning about the earlier lives of the older adults who grew up in the city and how it shaped their personal identities.
What would you say to someone else who was thinking about volunteering as a Tech Coach?
DOROT’s social workers do an excellent job of screening older adults to confirm they are receptive to learning and have a safe apartment for you to visit. For many of the older adults, you might be their only in-person human interaction for a week, so having functional electronic devices is vital to their connection to the outside world.
You do not need to be a tech expert to volunteer as a Tech Coach. You might impress yourself with the amount of confidence you can instill in an older adult when you teach them new skills one-on-one!
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Inspired by Marc’s story?
Find the DOROT volunteer opportunity that works for you or join an upcoming Volunteer Information & Orientation to learn more.