April is National Volunteer Month. Access Home Care and Hospice appreciates all the hard work and hours our
volunteers put in. We would like to share a personal story by
Sylvia Jones on volunteering:
Many years
ago, while I was employed full time at a busy job and also being a newly
married lady, I gave of my time, talent, and energy at a mental institution in
our town. The joy I found and the
satisfaction I felt was overwhelming. At
first it was somewhat scary to be in this environment, never having had anyone
compromised in this way in my family circle or circle of friends. But I had a reason for doing this. I learned from this valuable time how to deal and cope with
these situations and how to work with them.
I volunteered in a locked-up environment which was also overwhelming at
first. To my surprise, I found out that a friend of my parents from
many years back was a resident of this facility, and that when I was a baby this lady had wanted to keep me as she was unable to have children. I brought this lady up to date with pictures, special items, and brought her up to current times. The time came when she was able to piece
things together and she said to me one day, “Please dear, you should not come
here, as this is not a place for you.” However I wanted to bring something into this lady’s life. Together, after much time, we had closed up
the years. I was told that she would
have been able to be released from the facility, but because she had no family
to go to, she was unable not leave. But I did
bring her to my home on two occasions for afternoon refreshments, and I saw the
joy of this lady “feeling a part of life.”
I have never forgotten this volunteering experience. This lady later passed away but I have the
fulfillment in my life of having done just a little to make a difference in the
life of one person.
On behalf of all of Access Home Care and Hospice staff, thank you all for the time you have spent volunteering. It has
made such a difference in the lives of our patients and families. Any liitle bit you are able to do really is
appreciated and makes such a difference.
If you, or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, please
contact your local office in your area. Together we will help others “feel the difference.”