When you volunteer, you’re doing more than giving back to your community, you’re also giving something to yourself. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, when we volunteer our time to help others, a few of the intangible benefits include improved self-confidence, increased motivation and more satisfaction in our everyday lives. We know that everyone can benefit from volunteering in different ways, but one of our favorite aspects is how volunteering brings people together. For National Volunteer Week, we want to recognize the individuals who volunteer at Consulate Health Care centers and spotlight how the power of volunteering can improve the lives of everyone involved.
“Volunteering is about reaching out to others and using the gifts and talents we have to make someone’s life better,” says Ron Manning, who volunteers by leading Monday Morning Church School for Consulate Health Care’s Manor at Susquehanna Village in Millersburg, PA. At the Manor, not only do residents benefit from the presence of volunteers, the volunteers benefit from the presence of the residents. Ron’s time preaching and teaching at the center taught him how to better himself; he says he’s become more compassionate and has learned not to take the little things in life for granted. “Volunteering takes my eyes off myself and look at the bigger picture,” said Ron. “I feel I’m the one who is blessed by volunteering.” Ellen Trevitz also volunteers at the Manor at Susquehanna Village for Monday Morning Church School playing piano. She personally knows many of the residents at the center and says they were a great help when she was growing up in the church. “What an opportunity it has been to visit, read to them, brush hair, tidy their room, and take them for a walk outside!” Ellen said. “This was my chance to give back.”
At Kenton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kenton, Ohio, the staff understands it may not always be easy to donate time to help others and to show their gratitude, so they have planned a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration which will be held today, April 11th. Beth Dear, Kenton’s Activities Director, planned a day filled with food, games, and light-hearted competition to show the volunteers how important they are to the center. Beth says they have “a great group of volunteers” and plans to present certificates of appreciation to each as a thank you for their contributions.
Volunteering benefits not only those impacted by it, but to those who serve. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that Consulate Health Care will continue to facilitate for our centers and their volunteers. The power of volunteering may not always be tangible, but is always felt, and the dedicated individuals who go out of their way to volunteer make a difference at Consulate’s care centers and their communities.
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