From Bingo to Boardroom: Introducing Susan Shevell

Susan Shevell is a dedicated NCS volunteer, spending most Saturday afternoons with us. After raising her children in Livingston, NJ, and retiring from her family’s business, she moved to the Upper East Side in 2016. With more time on her hands and a new community, she wanted to find meaningful volunteer work— and we’re so happy she chose NCS!

“NCS immediately resonated with me,” Susan shared. “You’re helping people transition from living on the street and helping them navigate through their struggles in a safe, comfortable environment while allowing them to live the way they choose.”

Most Saturdays, Susan hosts “Bingo and High Tea” at the NCS Residence, where she is beloved by the bingo regulars who appreciate both the prizes she donates and her warm and caring nature. Due to the pandemic, bingo and other group activities were suspended, but Susan recently returned for the first time in two years!

“It was important to me from the start to spend time at the Residence and become a safe, consistent face for as many residents as I could. Spending a few hours every Saturday prior to COVID with them allowed me to form real relationships and get to know many of the residents as individuals. It gave me so much pleasure knowing that I was giving them an activity to look forward to all week where we just spend so much time having fun and laughing. You’ve created a real home and community, and my goal was to become a family member. It was so difficult losing that connection during the pandemic and I am so happy to be back.”

Susan also volunteers every year at our Thanksgiving meal and as a judge in the annual talent show, which she describes as “heartwarming and rewarding experiences.”

When not cheering on our residents, Susan volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. She also loves spending time with her daughter Merissa, son-in-law David, and their daughters, Arley and Charlotte, and her son Zachary, daughter-in-law Arielle, and their daughter Logan.

Susan brings so much to NCS— as a dedicated supporter, our favorite bingo caller, and the most recent addition to our Board of Directors. On behalf of everyone at NCS, especially the bingo regulars at the Residence, thank you!