Volunteering is Habit Forming
By Larece Galer
Posted: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Courtesy of The News Herald
Volunteering can become habit forming. Just ask any of the ones at Summerville at Mentor.
The residential and assisted living center can claim volunteers who began for one reason and have stayed because they enjoy the time they spend with the residents so much. "As activity director, my No. 1 priority is to keep the residents of Summerville at Mentor actively engaged in meaningful and diverse activities," Lisa McFarland said.
One look at the residential calendar for the month shows a variety of activities filling every day.
"We have a number of volunteers who assist with spiritual guidance, bingo, outings, nail polishing, crafts, parties, yoga and entertainment," said McFarland, who is one of those who began volunteering and through a course of events, ended up working for the facility.
"I started volunteering with my dog. I volunteered for 11 months before I worked here," she said.
McFarland has been the owner of therapy dogs, and today her golden retriever Harper is the volunteer. He comes to work with her and is a big part of the Summerville family.
Nancy Hess of Painesville is another volunteer who is pursuing a college degree in health care while volunteering at Summerville. The volunteer thought that this would give her a good idea of what working as an activities director may be like.
McFarland tries to match the volunteer with what they want to do.
"I'm not an expert at everything," McFarland said. "It's important to give the residents as much as we can."
Maria Dietz began volunteering when her mother-in-law moved in to Summerville about six months ago. Dietz went to three facilities before choosing Summerville.
"I decided to make it a point to volunteer and get her involved," Dietz said. "She's done so well, everything has turned around."
Dietz helps with the biweekly Out to Lunch event, which allows the residents to go off-site to lunch. She helps the residents who are using walkers or wheelchairs negotiate their way to and from the van and restaurant.
"We always ask them where they would like to go," Dietz said. Restaurants include Bob Evans and Casa D'Angelo or wherever the residents choose.
Volunteers include families with children who help with craft projects.
"We have two families that come for crafting with helping hands," McFarland said. "The kids help with the crafts."
Flo Pribilski is the volunteer who sets up and calls at the bingo games. She is known for her knowledge of the residents' names and what snacks they like.
Some also are high school seniors who gain credit for the volunteering.
"The girls I have now are done for the school year, but they keep volunteering," McFarland said. "They are such wonderful kids. When they do go to school in the fall it will leave a hole."
Entertainers, companions, religious groups, crafters and exercise instructors all volunteer at Summerville, offering an array of activities for residents.
"It's so great to have wonderful people who are so willing to help out," MacFarland said. "We have some volunteers who help out with specific programs weekly or monthly and others who say, 'Call me when you need help, and if I'm available I'll be there,' and they usually are."
McFarland stresses that all volunteers are welcome and encourages anyone wishing to volunteer to contact Summerville at 440-354-5499 for information about opportunities at the Mentor facility.
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