A fun and upbeat luncheon was enjoyed by the Volunteers and Chaplains at the Witham Volunteer annual awards banquet and appreciation luncheon, hosted by Witham Health Services on April 12, 2023.
Steve Bardoczi, VP for Witham Health Services expressed his and the hospital staff’s appreciation for all the work performed by the many Volunteers and Chaplains throughout the year. Mr. Bardoczi shared with the guests that, with the help of the volunteers Witham is able to provide the exceptional patient experience that we are known for, noting the volunteers and chaplains help to make a difference in the lives of our patients each day. Many volunteers are often the first and last person the patient encounters in their visit to Witham, leaving a lasting impression with those they help.
Amy Mitchell, Director of Volunteer Services commented that the Witham volunteers bring so much value, joy, encouragement and support to our patients, staff, hospital and community at large, noting we are truly blessed to have such an amazing team of individuals who want to give their time and talent to support Witham and care for our patients.
Ms. Mitchell further noted there are now more than 40 volunteers at Witham that help in over 20 different areas and departments of the hospital, and celebrated that Witham volunteers donated over 5,000 hours of their time in 2022. Ms. Mitchell noted volunteers range in age from 17 years to 91 years young, and Witham’s longest tenured volunteer is Lenda Vickery who has been volunteering for more than 30 years, starting at the original hospital. Witham is grateful and honored to celebrate all the volunteers who give their time and make a difference for our patients. We couldn’t do all that we do without them, Mitchell said.
Ms. Mitchell also presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Mary Pat Shepherd. Mary Pat volunteers at the main registration desk on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons as a patient service representative and patient transport, and also assists with Dr. Schmidt’s team as a patient liaison and patient navigator for their cancer patients. She was also one of the first faces of Witham’s “What Matters to You?” campaign here at Witham, participating in one of the campaign videos as a patient. If that isn’t enough, Mary Pat also sits on the Witham Volunteer Organization Scholarship Committee, and serves as the President of the Witham Volunteer Organization Board, helping behind the scenes in many other ways. Mrs. Shepherd has been volunteering at Witham for over 4 years.
Ms. Mitchell also introduced the Witham Health Services Volunteer Board, which is comprised of MaryPat Shepherd – President, Denise Long – Vice President, Pat Kleeman-Treasurer, Ann Lynch –Secretary and Jane Johnson, Volunteer Board Past President.
Witham is always looking for new volunteers to join our team! Volunteering is a great way to foster community involvement while helping others. The volunteer program at Witham has been in existence for nearly 100 years, and volunteers have always made a tremendous impact, giving of their time and talents.
Some of the many volunteer service areas available include patient transport, guest services representative, retail sales associate, pastoral care and more! Volunteers work in four-hour shifts from either 8a-12p, 12p-4p or 10a-2p, at least one day per week. Volunteers will also participate in a one-day orientation, department-specific training, and annual mandatory education.
Additional perks that Witham volunteers enjoy include participating in the annual awards banquet & appreciation lunch, National Healthcare Volunteer Week, the annual holiday luncheon and various other events throughout the year. Other volunteer benefits include a complimentary meal for each shift worked and a discount at the Waterfall’s Edge Gift Shop and Pavilion Boutique.
For more information about volunteering, contact Amy Mitchell, Director of Volunteer Services at 765-485-8175 or [email protected]