Giving Rye: Meet SPRYE
Giving Rye is a feature series highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Marie Johnson of SPRYE.
Your Name: Marie Johnson
Organization: SPRYE
Your role: Executive Director
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission.
Johnson: SPRYE is a membership-based organization for adults 55-years and older who want to live confidently at home
How long have you operated in Rye?
Johnson: SPRYE has been in operation since 2011, so it is 13 years old. Its first office was in Rye for four years at The Osborn, and since 2014 it has settled into an office in Port Chester. The not-for-profit serves Harrison, Port Chester, Rye and Rye Brook.
What programming or work in Rye is the organization best known for?
Johnson:
- Best known for providing essential transportation to medical and dental appointments to its members.
- Providing engaging, educational and entertaining programs for older adults.
- Proving referrals to individuals in need of resources.
Looking forward to 2025, what will be your top initiatives?
Johnson:
- Publicizing and promoting all the activities we provide older adults including a future mental health awareness symposium.
- Raising awareness that Senior Centers and SPRYE also offer valuable time and money saving information.
- Partnering with organizations to share the costs of expenses
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Johnson: The SPRYE population is made up of older adults (average age of a SPRYE member is 82) and reside mostly in Rye, Port Chester and Rye Brook.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Johnson: Yes, and SPRYE does not receive any city, state, town or federal assistance. It is solely dependent on individual donors and grants from a few churches or foundations.
Looking back across 2024, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Johnson:
- This year SPRYE hosted author Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the legendary conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein at Crawford Manor in Rye Brook. She discussed her book and growing up as his daughter. More than 80 people enjoyed the afternoon presentation.
- I was awarded the Healthcare Hero 2024 by Westchester Magazine this year. Selected out of a group of perhaps 100-150 entries.
- SPRYE provided 475 (to date) roundtrip rides for its members to essential errands, most of the medical or dental appointments.
How can local residents support your organization?
Johnson: Residents can support SPRYE by becoming a member or making a donation, but more importantly they can make referrals to friends or neighbors who may need our services. In addition, volunteers are the backbone of what we do and I always need volunteer drivers!
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Johnson: SPRYE has been extremely fortunate to receive tremendous support from so many people and area businesses. Among the many are:
The Osborn and Osborn Home Care, Carpet Trends, Graham Funeral Home, Visiting Angels, Greenwich and White Plains Hospital, Burke Rehabilitation Center, Kneaded Bread, law firm Glassman and Brown, and Keane and Beane, P.C.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Johnson: I have been the E.D. for six and a half years. I started in June 2016.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Johnson: This is a full-time job.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Johnson: Unassuming
Where did you grow up?
Johnson: Syracuse, New York. Buffalo always received attention as the snow capital of NY because of the ‘lake effect ‘and ice storms however Syracuse always had more inches of snow!
What is your favorite unimportant thing about you?
Johnson: My favorite unimportant thing about me is understanding where people come from, that everyone has different life experiences, and we are here to learn from each other and not devalue or ever discriminate.
If the next five years are a chapter in your life, what is this chapter about?
Johnson: Short term: Continuing to work with the SPRYE Board and volunteers to offer and promote the many benefits socializing and participating in programs offers to older adults and how SPRYE’s affordable membership helps SPRYE meet that mission. Long term: Plan the next few chapters of my life including travel, pickleball, or a traveling pickleball organization!
What would you do if you were not afraid?
Johnson: Write a book.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Johnson: I live in Stamford, CT with my cat Chico.
Learn more:
Website. Or call 914-481-5706
