(PHOTO: Executive Director Marie Johnson shares a lunch date with longtime members Leon Russell and Dolores Anselmo of Port Chester. Contributed.)
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
Name of your organization: SPRYE
Your role: Executive Director
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission
Johnson: SPRYE is a membership based not-for-profit organization for adults 55-years and older who want to live confidently at home and stay connected to their community. We enrich the lives of our members by offering culturally enriching programs and rely on community volunteers to give members rides to their appointments.
How long have you operated in or around Rye?
Johnson: SPRYE opened its doors in 2011 and recently celebrated its 14th anniversary with a fundraiser on September 25 at the Whitby Castle
What programming or work is the organization best known for?
Johnson: SPRYE is known for offering culturally enriching programs to older adults in the four communities we serve and providing transportation to medical and dental appointments, grocery shopping and hair salons.
- Last year SPRYE gave more than 400 roundtrip rides to older adults, some to critically needed appointments
- In 2024-2025 SPRYE offered 35 unique programs including weekly gentle chair yoga, book club and monthly public affairs lunch.
Looking forward to 2026, what will be your top initiatives?
Johnson: SPRYE’s major initiative in 2026 and beyond is to promote the roundtrip transportation services provided by volunteers, offer referrals, and enriching programs for an affordable membership fee.
- SPRYE hopes to secure funds to offer older adults a bereavement support group starting in 2026.
- Continued partnerships with senior centers, Rye YMCA and libraries to promote activities for older adults.
- Continue successful fundraising efforts!
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Johnson: SPRYE serves 55-and over adults in four communities: Harrison, Port Chester, Rye and Rye Brook. Area residents can engage with SPRYE by joining, volunteering or donating. The need for volunteer drivers is ongoing and appreciated and can be as little as one hour a month.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Johnson: Yes, we are a 501 (c)(3)
Looking back across 2025, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Johnson: SPRYE partnered with Rye organizations to offer stimulating, culturally enriching ‘New York’ quality programs, many of them free and open to the public
- Partnered with Rye Arts Center to offer a unique, lively musical series for the public with talented musicians and singers
- Partnered with the Osborn to offer a professional dance troupe for Osborn residents and the community
How can local residents support your organization?
Johnson: Residents can support SPRYE three ways by:
Becoming a member, donating to the organization or volunteering.
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Johnson: So many individual donors (and wonderful board members) to mention and too many to list. As far as businesses I must give a shout out to The Osborn and Osborn Home Care, Visiting Angels, Greenwich and White Plains Hospital, A & S Fine Foods, Keane and Beane and Carpet Trends.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Johnson: I have been the executive director since June 2018.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Johnson: This is a full-time, paid position.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Johnson: Thoughtful
Where did you grow up?
Johnson: I grew up in Liverpool, NY, a wonderful community outside Syracuse.
What principles guide you when you have to make a difficult decision?
Johnson: I use good, old fashioned ‘does it make sense’ and I like to make a list of pros and cons before I do something.
Can you share a time when failure taught you more than success ever could?
Johnson: I cannot say I’ve had failures, because everything is a learning and growing process. Success happens every day!
What excites you most about the future—for yourself or for the world?
Johnson: The future is full of potential as older adults will have so many opportunities to lead healthier lives due to the vast amount of medical knowledge and research and use information to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Where do you live and how many years have you lived there?
Johnson: I have lived in Stamford, CT for 25 years in a condo by Cove Island Beach
Thanks Marie!
Learn More:
Thanks Jay for this warm feature for SPRYE! It is a great organization, and we look forward to continuing growing and serving our community, whether it is by giving rides, going to a museum or movie, or enjoying a lunch together.