Volunteer Spotlight: Rich Ryan, Newburyport

If you see an ONT information table at a local event, the smiling man behind it is probably Rich Ryan.
Rich, of Newburyport, began volunteering at ONT less than two years ago as the new Salisbury facility was coming online. After taking a walking tour of the building, he was ready to get involved.
"My nature is I love helping people."
Rich's background is in human resources and managing change, and he served for 10 years on the board of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. So when he started at ONT, he saw a niche for himself - helping to spread the word about what ONT does, and how we help people.
"I can sell anything I believe in. If I am talking to an individual who may know someone in need, and may not know how to help them, I'm giving them a tool. There is so much need out there."
Like so many ONT volunteers, his desire to give back is rooted in his family, specifically his father, a car salesman with a special way of building trust in customers.
"He was treating people with respect, finding out their needs and making them happy. If he saw a car on the side of the road, he stopped to help. It's just who he was."
You will also find Rich in the Salisbury market every Monday morning, where he helps make sure every guest feels welcome.
"People are so appreciative. For them, we are in the right spot at the right time when they need it most. I just want to take some of the mystery away for them and make it fun."
​Thank you Rich for all you do!

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