About
Salley Gibney
I’m an 84-year-old Grammy who, like many of you, has worn many hats: I’ve been a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, nurse, entrepreneur, volunteer, and the host at two local cable TV stations in Vermont and Rhode Island.
Through the years, I have been blessed to know and love people of all ages with very different backgrounds, some facing multiple hardships. This has given me some insights and perhaps some understanding of the struggles we each can face. I have realized the importance of knowing someone cares, and the hope that comes with each caring connection we make.
In 2002, I had a dream about a little wooden coin which led to the creation of the Caring Coins. Never in a million years did I guess where this dream would lead.
You may also be wondering where my “I Matter, You Matter” message came from. After thinking about this, I remembered that when I was a young girl, I wasn’t too sure that I mattered; but I had a very special babysitter who reminded me that “I mattered, there was no one else in this world who was just like me…I was unrepeatable…” And somehow I believed her. Her name was June. She became the first teacher of color on Long Island, who went on to share this message with thousands of students. As the years went by, we became very dear friends. I think of her every time I share this message…
One of my greatest joys today is sharing the Caring Coins with their “I Matter, You Matter” and “You are Never Alone” messages, whether it be with children, teens, adults, seniors, our troops, someone at the food truck, the food pantry, or just walking on the street. It usually brings a smile, a word, a nod, a conversation and sometimes even tears in the eyes of someone hearing the simple words “you matter”! The Caring Coins are little “gifts of hope!”
This is a very challenging time for each of us. A time when we can feel disconnected in one way or another. Sometimes, there seems to be a straight line dividing us. But there is always hope because every straight line can become a circle which can bring us together. This happens when we listen to, hear and share with each other our concerns, hopes, and dreams for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. And we mustn’t forget the memories, the joys and the laughter. This is where we find our common ground. My hope is that together we will find our common ground!
I invite you to join in sharing the “I Matter, You Matter” and “You are never alone” messages of the Caring Coins…
I Matter, You Matter, We Matter… We are all in this together…
Speaking Engagements
Like so many women, I have worn many hats and I love people, especially children and youths. I started sharing the “I Matter, You Matter” message with adults and then one day after my grandson had shared a “Caring Coin” with his teacher, she invited me to speak with his class. I asked him if he would mind if I did this and he said…” Sure, do it Grammy, just don’t get carried away…” And I have been sharing with children and youths, along with adults ever since. The “I Matter, You Matter” message is universal and one we all need today…
Salley shares the “I Matter, You Matter” Message with:
“Connecting with Ourselves and Each Other” reminds each of us the importance of connection, a very basic human need.
“I Matter, You Matter: Start the Conversation” reminds children and youths at elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, camp programs and clubs the importance of connection, acceptance and inclusion.
What Teachers are saying about working with Salley:
“What makes Salley’s message so special is the messenger herself. She is genuine, generous, and completely present—whether she’s volunteering her time or stopping a stranger to remind them of their worth. Kids instantly feel that authenticity. There’s something about a loving voice that cuts right through the noise and reaches a child’s heart in a way little else can.
Salley Gibney doesn’t just talk about caring — she lives it. I’ve seen her light up the face of a stranger with nothing more than a kind word and a full heart. Her message matters, and kids of all ages listen because they can feel she truly means it.”
Kristina Pires
(she/her/hers)
Executive Director, New England
Generation Citizen
“I had the pleasure of meeting Salley a few years ago as the grandmother of one of my students. After learning about her “I Matter, You Matter” movement, I immediately invited her into our classroom to share this powerful message with my students.
Salley spoke about how the movement began, the many heartwarming acts of kindness she has carried out through it, and the deeper meaning behind the phrase itself. She creates a warm, safe, and genuinely open space for students to reflect on why they matter, why it’s important to remember that, and how they can extend kindness to others to remind them that they matter too.
I have never seen students open up in classwide discussions the way they do when Salley leads them. Her gentle kindness is something students feel immediately, and it gives them the confidence and safety to share their thoughts and emotions in a meaningful way.
Since then, Salley has continued to join our class for social emotional learning conversations, activities, and projects. She is truly one of a kind, and I highly recommend inviting her into your classroom to enrich the well being and emotional growth of your students.
Thanks for all you do, Salley!”
Kristen Costa
Fifth Grade Teacher
James H Eldredge Elementary School
East Greenwich, RI
“I was introduced to Salley and her message in the fall of 2022. Instantly, I wanted to have her visit the classes at Sunderland Elementary to share her story. We planned an event a few weeks later and our journey with Caring Coins and I Matter, You Matter Day began. As a school, we used Caring Coins for two years as a way students recognized kindness in each other. We have celebrated I Matter, You Matter Day every year since we met Salley. Anyone who has met Salley can attest that she brings light and love to everyone she connects with. She is one of a kind and I am blessed to know her.”
Jennifer Turner
Principal
Sunderland Elementary School
98 Bear Ridge Road
Sunderland, VT
In the News
Salley was one of the Four Finalists in the Remarkable Women of Rhode Island.
“I am so humbled and honored to be chosen as one of the candidates for ‘Remarkable Women’. This is not about me, it’s about the ‘I Matter. You Matter’ message, a message we all need today.
I am merely a messenger of this important message. Being a part of ‘Remarkable Women’ has enabled me to share this message just as each of you do as you share your caring with acts of kindness. Each of us is a ‘Remarkable Person!’”
—Salley Gibney
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What People Are Saying...
The Caring Coins have been reminders of caring and connection giving hope to many over the years.
"I am so happy and so blessed that I found the wooden Caring Coins and discovered the message behind them…I have been giving them out to everyone I meet. I have even taken to putting them on my jeep ducks. I made my own little card that I attach to the coins."
“I believe the simple acts of caring can have a huge impact on our world. Showing someone kindness & caring & letting them know they matter can create such a huge ripple effect. I feel so lucky & blessed to have come across Salley Gibney and her Caring Coins.”
“I received a Caring Coin when I needed to be reminded I was not alone. Simple acts of caring will change our world because caring is contagious. I invite others to be part of the change you wish to see in this world. Every minute of every day do your best...”
“Salley Gibney comes to Mettowee Community School each year and spreads the positive message of making sure people feel like they matter. This week each student will be given a Caring Coin and card. This encourages our students to show acts of kindness.”
“I work with disabled athletes and veterans and one of my Vets gave me a coin! He said that someone had given him a coin and he wanted me to have one to remind me that he appreciated all that I do for the Vets. I was very touched…You have a great message...”