Brenda Hart | Home Care & Hospice
Brenda Hart has been visiting with SpiriTrust Lutheran® hospice clients for 13 years. She spends her first visit with clients getting to know about them and their interests while also allowing them to get to know and feel comfortable around her. “Afterwards, when I go visit a client, I like to catch up with things going on in their life and how they are feeling,” Brenda said. “Most of my time with a client is just sitting, talking and listening, making it all about them. With some clients, we play their favorite board game. I have read a devotion or read the Bible for them. At times, we sit and watch TV. Other times, we sing hymns. If I’m at a client’s home, we may sit out on the porch if the weather is good. To me, it’s all about ‘Ministry of Presence.’”
On special days like birthdays, Christmas or Easter, Brenda tries to make their day with a card, flower or a special gift. Before leaving, she prays with – and for – the client. When a client passes away, she pays her respects by attending their viewing or funeral service if she is able.
“Volunteering is definitely rewarding, knowing that you make a person’s day or give family members a little freedom to do whatever they need to do or just give them a little break. You definitely form a bond, not only with the client but with their family members.”
Previous Volunteer Spotlights
Pat Springer and her dog, Elena | The Village at Luther Ridge
Pat Springer and her 5-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Elena, visit residents at The Village at Luther Ridge with other dogs from Kindly Canines on the fourth Tuesday of each month. She rides in a pink stroller and sometimes wears costumes. She likes to cuddle and be petted, but does not like to give dog kisses. Elena has been visiting Luther Ridge since September 2021 and recently celebrated her 100th visit to the community!
Pat and Elena are pictured with Jeff, a resident at the skilled care & rehabilitation center.
Elaine Miller | The Village at Utz Terrace
Elaine Miller, a resident at The Village at Utz Terrace, serves a variety of volunteer roles that bring joy to residents at all levels of living. A retired insurance agent, Elaine assists residents at the personal care residence and skilled care center with arts and crafts, serves as an occasional receptionist and teaches a line dancing class for her fellow residential living residents once a week. She has also served as a dog walker and gardener. Prior to moving to the community in 2019, Elaine volunteered for six years in a hospital post-anesthesia unit.
Though she enjoys teaching the line dancing class the most because it is something she does recreationally, she says all of her roles are important and she enjoys them all. “I really enjoy being around people, helping them and making them happy,” she says.
Barb Bell | The Village at Luther Ridge
Barb Bell, a volunteer at The Village at Luther Ridge, assists residents of all levels of living. During her volunteer hours, you can find Barb accompanying residents of the personal care residence on scenic drives and helping them with their grocery shopping at Walmart. Barb occasionally volunteers at the skilled care center, where she transports residents to programs in the building. In addition, often times she offers a helping hand, if needed, when cottage residents shop at local greenhouses or embark on a trip to a local restaurant.
Although it has been less than two years since she began volunteering, Barb is quite familiar with the Luther Ridge community. When the personal care residence opened in 1993, Barb accepted a position as a charge nurse and later moved into the role of personal care home administrator. These experiences provided her with the comfort and confidence level needed to assist residents of all levels of living. Moreover, as a former team member, she says she greatly appreciated her many connections with volunteers and understands the important role they play across the agency. Barb says, “I enjoy talking, helping and connecting with the residents at The Village at Luther Ridge. It is great to be back at this community.”