Volunteers |
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Extending
a Helping Hand/People Helping People
 "Volunteers are the heart and soul
of the mission of Provena United Samaritans Medical Center. This spirit of volunteerism can help
restore the sense of hope in our hearts. It is our way to connect with the
community," says Becky Hawkins, Director of Senior and Volunteer Services at
Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.
Provena United Samaritans has more than 150 volunteers. Ranging
in age from 15 to 93, these volunteers dedicate their time
and energy to make others' lives a little brighter.
Volunteers at Provena serve in many different ways, and
all make a difference. Volunteers can be found delivering mail, assisting with
clerical tasks, serving in the gift shop, or lending listening ears to families
in need. They assist nurses in their care of patients by replenishing
water, helping patients with their meal trays, and providing other
"amenities" of patient care. Evidence of volunteerism can be seen in the
nursery where newborns wear newborns wear crocheted/knitted hats, or in pediatrics, where
a child has a homemade blanket.
Some volunteers join the Red Vests, a group of gentlemen who serve
as greeters, couriers, and transporters. Others serve as Patient Ambassadors, listening to
patients to help ensure patient satisfaction.
High school and college students also do volunteer
work. Students must be 15 years of age to volunteer. High
school students volunteer in transport, thus enabling them to experience all aspects
of the hospital. College students volunteer in various areas, allowing them to
pursue an area of particular interest.
No matter how they serve, each volunteer is vital. "The
Mission of Provena is building communities of healing and hope by
compassionately responding to human need in the spirit of Jesus Christ,"
explains Hawkins. "Our volunteers are an extension of that Mission."
For more information or to get an application to
volunteer, contact Dorothy Peterman at (217)
443-5279.
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