Volunteers enrich the lives of our residents and patients, and during National Volunteer Week last month, A.G. Rhodes held special events and highlighted volunteers for their dedication and commitment. Here are just a few pictures and stories about the wonderful work they do.
Corey Vining works in pastoral care at our Wesley Woods home. He is compassionate and dedicated to serving our residents. He is also learning some life lessons from them as well.
“While here, I have learned that each of our individual lives is a journey in which your path crosses with many others as they, too, journey through life. It is where the storyteller meets his/her audience(s), the soloist joins the accompanying, and the one who needs a push finds someone to stroll along with. During your journey, take the time to build and enjoy relationships along life’s way.”
The Atlanta Journal Constitution featured one of our volunteer groups, Ageless interAction, and its founder, Meagan Jain. Each week, volunteers from Ageless interAction facilitate art sessions with our residents. The article highlights Meagan and her group’s efforts to bridge generations through art. Read the article.
Kymberly Finley-Richardson is new to A.G. Rhodes, but she jumped right in and is already one of our regular volunteers, coming in twice a week to visit residents at our Cobb home. She has made fast friends with many of the residents whom she calls her “golden girls”
“I’ve always been intrigued with healthcare; as a young girl, I would make rounds with my mom at the hospital as she worked the floor as an RN. We fought the Alzheimer’s battle with my grandmother for only a short time, but during those years, it broke my heart to see her on some days totally forget everything – except me! After we lost her, I decided to volunteer because I know there are many patients just like my grandmother, but unlike her, they may not have that family member to help put a smile on their face. I pray my presence helps put a smile on some of the patients’ faces. I’m truly blessed. God wants us to give not only monetarily, but our gifts and talents.”
Marcia Shafer is a longtime volunteer at our Atlanta home. Marcia has been volunteering with A.G. Rhodes for 30 years, 25 of those years walking to the facility weekly to spend one-on-one time with residents and assist with activities (she now gets a ride from A.G. Rhodes staff). She has formed such close bonds with the residents over the years that she celebrated her 70th birthday at A.G. Rhodes.
Marcia was encouraged to volunteer because a priest once told her that giving of yourself and your time to others draws you closer to God. She stated she has learned many life lessons from volunteering with A.G. Rhodes and said,
“I love being able to give of myself….it teaches you about life, struggles of people, that you’re not alone, that other people need you, and you need other people. You can help by giving comfort and giving a good word, encouraging and cheering up [people]. It’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s the greatest thing you can do—to do something for somebody else. It’s a fun thing.”
We give special recognition to Reverend Leroy Minter who received a 2015 11Alive Community Service Award for his 18 years of volunteer ministry to residents at A.G. Rhodes of Atlanta. Reverend Minter was one of 11 honorees chosen this year from over 200 applicants. Watch the video about Reverend Minter that aired at the awards ceremony, and on 11Alive.
Beverly Stitzel was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” at our Cobb location. She and her husband lead Bible study sessions with residents, and love visiting with them and listening to their stories. She considers them a part of her family.
The Pine Tree Garden Club volunteers and supports the Horticultural Therapy program at our Wesley Woods home. Through plants and gardening, Horticultural Therapy helps increase sensory stimulation, improve motor skills and decreases isolation.