A Servant’s Heart: The impact Tyler Youngkin makes at Morningstar Living truly cannot be matched

A volunteer is someone who is selfless and caring, and they are not driven by monetary gain or fame. They have a sense of compassion and show a clear heart for helping others.

In the case of Tyler Youngkin, being a volunteer is a way of life. He sacrifices so much of his life to helping those in the Morningstar Living community, and he is someone all the residents and staff alike appreciate and could not see functioning the same without his amazing volunteerism.

“Tyler has been an invaluable part of our community for over six-and-a-half years, bringing joy, companionship, and unwavering dedication to the residents and staff at Morningstar Living,” Lead Server Roseann Serfass said.

When Youngkin walks into this senior care community, he has a smile on his face. He loves to interact with the residents, making it feel exactly like what it should feel like – a community.

He is someone who gives up so much of his time without even thinking twice about it either. When you add up the hours he served last year alone, it comes out to an average of more than four hours per day. That is more than just dedication – it’s love, compassion and care all wrapped into one.

“Tyler’s commitment to service is unmatched,” Morningstar Living Director of Community Fun & Engagement/Volunteering Pam Kleckner said. “In 2024, he contributed an outstanding total of 1,513 volunteer hours, more than any other volunteer in our community. Since he began his service in February 2016, Tyler has accumulated over 5,100 hours of volunteer work.”

Youngkin has been doing this for over nine years, and he has shown no signs of slowing down or remorse. His devotion to this community is one of the countless reasons he was nominated for the 2025 LeadingAge PA Volunteer of the Year Award by Morningstar Living. What makes it even better is the fact that he was chosen as the award recipient by LeadingAge PA.

What also adds to his amazement is Morningstar Living is not the only place Youngkin devotes countless hours to. He is a Global Messenger for the Special Olympics, and he served as a Sunday School helper at Dryland UCC for years.

But this specific award is about his time with Morningstar Living, which has left a lasting impact on the lives of many in the community.

“The relationships he has built with the residents and staff,” his parents, Pam and Jeff, said when asked what their son loves most about working in senior care. “He loves making every resident smile and feel cared for! He is very proud to say that he works in healthcare!”

Youngkin does not do what he does because he is forced to do it. He does it out of the genuineness of his heart, as he loves putting smiles on people’s faces and being someone the staff at Morningstar can look up to as well. He is a fresh face in the midst of a job that can occasionally become draining, and he is a fresh face in the midst of a community stay where you tend to see the same people all the time.

His overall good nature and the light that shines through him is something the community more than appreciates. He lives his life the right way, and he has the best outlook possible.

“Tyler first joined us through Nazareth Area High School’s Continuous Learning program, and from the very beginning, his enthusiasm and commitment set him apart,” Serfass said. “While participating in a group of five individuals, Tyler quickly distinguished himself through his eagerness to engage and contribute.”

Youngkin is a young face at Morningstar too. It can be challenging to get young adults to volunteer their time—especially at a senior care community—which is another reason he is so appreciated. He breaks the norm, which makes him stand out from the rest.

“At Morningstar Living, Tyler’s role is indispensable,” Kleckner said. “He takes his responsibilities in the dining room seriously, transporting residents in wheelchairs to and from meals, delivering trays when needed, clearing tables, and cleaning and sanitizing seating areas. Tyler sets out menus, engages in friendly conversation with residents during meals, and encourages them to complete their meals with his trademark warmth and care.”

Youngkin shows just how much he cares each and every day about the residents, and that is why he is there. He loves getting to put a smile on people’s faces, and he loves spreading goodness.

“What makes Tyler exceptional is not just his work ethic, but the relationships he has built,” Serfass said. “He is more than a volunteer—he is a friend, a source of encouragement, and a constant presence of kindness. His commitment is remarkable, dedicating his time to our community four days a week, often staying beyond his scheduled hours simply because he loves what he does.”

Youngkin does not care about the hours on the clock. He is not there to fulfill some agenda or required service time; he is at Morningstar to serve seniors and hopefully make some of their days every day.

“Tyler has been awarded Volunteer of the Year at Morningstar Living,” his parents said. “He has also been a Global Messenger for the Special Olympics and has given several speeches at Special Olympic events. He was a Sunday School helper for several years at Dryland UCC.”

Emphasizing this is important, as it just goes to show how much Youngkin loves to help others. He has a true servant’s heart, and his parents mentioned he was always helping their elderly neighbors and getting a kick out of that when he was younger.

He may not be some full-time employee or someone who is at Morningstar every day of the week, but the short time that Youngkin is there is as impactful as any. He is not just a volunteer, but a trailblazer and a trendsetter, and he is leaving a legacy already.

“We are truly blessed to have Tyler as a member of the Morningstar Living community, and we can think of no one more deserving of this recognition,” Kleckner said. “His impact on the lives of our residents and staff is profound, and his spirit of service exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated and compassionate volunteer.”

Congratulations to the 2025 LeadingAge PA Volunteer of the Year Award winner!