Kathleen Rutty-Fey, Assistant Head of External Affairs
For mothers and daughters in the Southern New Hampshire area, the National Charity League (NCL), Inc. offers more than just volunteer hours—it offers a pathway to stronger relationships and real-world leadership. For Derryfield student Reagan Ayers ‘29 and her mother Carrie, who joined NCL when Reagan was in the sixth grade, the experience has been transformative.
As the only NCL chapter in the state, the Southern New Hampshire group has grown from a small gathering in a Bedford home in 2012, to a robust organization of approximately 160 members from Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Rockingham counties. The organization is built on three core pillars: community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences.
Reagan has served as the President of her age group for three years. Through running monthly meetings and managing group logistics, she has developed organizational skills, confidence in public speaking, and the ability to connect with strangers without fear: “Over the past three years my leadership style has evolved from simply trying to manage responsibilities to becoming more collaborative, confident, and intentional about empowering others.”
She also credits the organization with teaching her vital “street smarts” by taking her to places and spaces that are new to her and require a level of awareness and open-mindedness. Reagan admits that she “lived in a bit of a bubble” before joining. Stepping out of the “bubble” has taught her the value of seeing situations from perspectives beyond her own, of talking to others, asking curious questions, and advocating for her own needs. “Because of this growth, I’ve become more comfortable being myself and asking questions—whether I need clarification on a test, a quiz, or classwork. I now advocate for myself, seek help when I need it, and approach challenges with a focus on learning and connection.”
She and Carrie have found their specific calling at a local nursing home, where Reagan loves playing BINGO with a resident named Bob. When asked why she chooses to focus on the elderly population, Reagan reflects, “…there’s something about their calm presence and the wisdom they carry that makes me feel grounded. Helping them gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel better about myself…because the connections feel real and honest. Being there has taught me to slow down, appreciate people more deeply, and value the kind of human connection that often gets overlooked in everyday life.”
Beyond the service, the NCL fosters a unique bond between mother and daughter. Whether they are preparing for signature events like the annual Tea Party and Senior Recognition, or simply driving to a volunteer shift, the time together is invaluable. As Reagan notes, “Even when we’re mad with each other about some little thing… the shared opportunity makes that all go away.”
For more information on the National Charity League, please visit: www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/southernnewhampshire/
