3 minute read
Learning Experiences that Last a Lifetime
VOLUNTEERING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT LAST A LIFETIME
Five years ago, Dominick Garcia began volunteering at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton as a high school teen volunteer. What started out as a simple way to make a positive impact at his local hospital, quickly turned into so much more.
“It’s hard to find the words to really describe what it’s like to be a volunteer or to measure the true impact it has on you,” said Dominick.
As a volunteer, Dominick has helped by offering refreshments to visitors in waiting areas, organizing and delivering COVID-19 supplies, serving as a screener at NGMC Braselton and much more. Because the experience was so impactful, Dominick remains active and has transitioned to a young adult volunteer. “Especially now in this time of COVID-19, when healthcare workers are stretched so thin, it means a lot to come back to NGMC and offer my time and support,” said Dominick. “Being around the hard-working and dedicated employees of NGMC has truly opened my eyes to the compassionate side of healthcare – and I’m more motivated than ever to pursue my dream of working as a doctor.”
Dominick Garcia, NGHS volunteer
NGHS VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT CONTINUES NGHS continues to recruit volunteers under 65 with no underlying health conditions and is currently implementing the return of volunteers 65 years of age and older in phases, beginning with those who are vaccinated, to serve within specific service areas of the hospital campuses and with community vaccine clinics.
Visit nghs.com/volunteer to explore volunteer opportunities at NGMC.
VOLUNTEERING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
A PASSION FOR SERVING HOSPICE
Tom and Bobbie Siler’s passion for serving Hospice families began years ago, when their parents received exceptional care from a hospice program in Indiana. When Bobbie later heard about the volunteer program at Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), she immediately knew it was something she wanted to do.
“Being a retired nurse, I always knew I wanted to do something that touched on my background without going back to work,” says Bobbie. “Because of my personal experience with hospice, my special passion is for serving the caregivers. I want to care for them in any way I can, even if that means lightening their load by sitting with their loved one while they run errands.”
At her volunteer training session, Bobbie learned about the special programs and recognition ceremonies for veterans offered by Hospice of NGMC. That’s when she knew Tom, her husband and a veteran himself, would enjoy volunteering as well.
“We understand each other, and I love doing it. Unfortunately, we’ve been unable to volunteer during the pandemic, and I miss it terribly.” Even though she hasn’t been able to visit patients in their homes lately, Bobbie participates in “tuck-in” calls every Thursday to check on caregivers and make sure they have everything they need for the weekend.
“I feel a real connection to the caregivers – even over the phone,” says Bobbie. “Sometimes they just need to know someone is looking out for them. The comfort we provide is important.”
Tom and Bobbie both agree that Hospice of NGMC staff are exceptional people with unique gifts and have witnessed firsthand how the staff members become a big part of the families’ lives.
“The care provided to hospice patients allows them to live in a way that honors them, their wishes and their legacies,” says Tom. “It’s an amazing thing to witness. We feel so rewarded by what we do as volunteers. The program has been a godsend for both of us.”
In 2020, the Love Light annual fundraiser and tree lighting celebration helped to raise funds for Hospice of NGMC. Donations support the bereavement program and complementary services provided to patients beyond what insurance will cover. These above-and-beyond services are designed to bring comfort, support connection, aid with relaxation and help build memories during a difficult time in their lives.
Watch the 2020 Love Light celebration and hear touching stories from some of our hospice families at nghs.com/lovelight.
