On a quiet Friday afternoon in December, the 211 Outreach RV turned into the Warwick Public Library’s parking lot. For many Rhode Islanders, its blue accents and custom wrap, including the giant image of a young, wide-eyed boy on the passenger’s side, make it easy to recognize.

The driver, Warwick resident Jay Burdick, pulled up alongside the library’s tree-lined entrance. After going through his safety checklist, he opened the side door and welcomed his first client.

For the past decade, Jay has worked for United Way 211 in Rhode Island – a free helpline that connects Rhode Islanders with essential services, such as food, affordable housing, and addiction assistance. In 2013, after holding two different positions at United Way, he accepted an offer to head the new RV initiative – a role that would afford him an opportunity to help even more people.

As part of his new job, Jay regularly visited nonprofits, churches, and community centers throughout the state. In many ways, his visit to the library on that crisp winter day was like the thousands that came before; he made people laugh, helped them apply for services online, and spoke with them about their problems. But, unlike the thousands of other visits, the significance of that day was determined six months prior, when Jay announced that he’d retire Christmas week.

John Lennon once said, “There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.” The fact that this chapter of Jay’s career ended in Warwick, the city where he’s lived his entire life, only proved that he was exactly where he was meant to be. Anyone who speaks with him, quickly understands just how strong his connection to this area is. “Warwick is home, and always has been,” said Burdick. “Helping people in the community I love is very special to me.”

Like many Rhode Islanders, Jay enjoys living in the city where he was raised. “Living near my childhood home means that I have deep family roots, and friendships that go back as far as elementary school,” he said. At the same time, Jay knows all too well the challenges it creates for those working in social service. Just last year, during a visit to the Ocean State Center for Independent Living, a client suddenly recognized him from junior high school, which affected their willingness to speak openly.

These types of situations make his work more complicated. “When this happens, people become guarded, which I completely understand. It’s difficult enough speaking about personal issues, never mind having it be with someone you know,” Burdick explained. “My job, as a professional, is to create a safe, non-threatening environment where people can talk about their needs without feeling judged.”

His compassion and dedication made the decision to retire even more difficult, but it was also the reason he knew it was the right choice. “I’ve always felt that it’s important to be honest with yourself when the time comes to step away,” said Burdick. “So, I was ready when it came for me, I had to be – a program this special deserves someone who can give 100% all the time.”

Jay’s work enabled 211 to connect with people on a personal level, one that’s only possible when speaking with someone face-to-face. Spending each day with the people he helped was a gift few others get. It allowed him to see the difference he was making, and just how much people valued his work. “Right from the start clients would thank me for helping their families, which always made me smile, but over the past few years they began to also say that they appreciated United Way sticking around – instead of just helping once and disappearing,” said Burdick.

The people he helped would often mention how he made them feel important – that their problems mattered. It wasn’t that he tried to make them feel this way; they felt this way because each person he helped was truly important to him, and each of their problems really did matter. Whatever the future holds for him, there’s no doubt that it’ll be something wonderful – because, after such a long, fruitful career helping Rhode Islanders, that’s exactly what Jay Burdick deserves.