Kim Capen, ROC Association Director and Board president of Medvil Cooperative in Goffstown, N.H., received the Volunteer Service Award in the Senior Category for the 2021 Spirit of New Hampshire Awards.
“I’m very passionate about affording an opportunity to every community that wants to become owners to have the ability to do that,” said Capen, 75, upon receiving the award Nov. 17. “Serving helps me to be involved and lend my support.”
Paul Bradley, president of ROC USA, said Capen’s volunteer work not only helps a community but keeps Capen active and purposeful.
“One of numerous insights into Kim’s leadership would be to repeat what the president of the AARP Foundation said to him and the Medvil Board: ‘It is amazing that you’re doing everything we recommend for healthy aging, and you’re doing it on a volunteer basis.'”
“I’m grateful for the award, and I’m at the front of it,” Capen said. “But this award is for all of the people working diligently to protect the asset of affordable housing. And seniors are the ones with the most disposable time. And they need to get out and volunteer. Just because you’re aging doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.”
Capen’s leadership and tenacious work for years has made an impactful difference in the lives of many people. He also serves on the Board of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund.
“Kim Capen is an extraordinary leader. He is someone who has worked in this ROC movement for many, many years,” said Kelli Cicirelli, Director of ROC-NH. “Kim has taken that work and been a voice for other community leaders. He’s offered his talent and expertise and knowledge in a supportive way to other community leaders across the country. His voice has really been amplified to bring others into this ROC movement.”
Volunteer NH has been hosting the Spirit of NH Awards as an annual celebration of volunteerism since 2003. This event recognizes those who go above and beyond the call to serve throughout the Granite State, shining a spotlight on the often-unsung heroes among us.