National Volunteer Week, April 7-13, 2019

By Bev Dudley
HPC Volunteer since 2018

HPC Celebrates Volunteers

This year, the theme for National Volunteer Week, which is April 7-13, 2019, is Celebrate Service – an opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve. And Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) is shining its lights on five volunteers with a lunch, recognition in the clinic’s Heartbeat newsletter and a small gift.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice and support to causes they care about in their community,” says Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing and Outreach. “Their stories serve to inspire others to take action and discover their collective power to unite in making a difference.”

HPC’s Volunteer Program

HPC’s non-clinical volunteer program began in April 2017 with one volunteer. Since then, four additional volunteers have been recruited. These regularly scheduled volunteers work in Marketing, Human Resources and Behavioral Health and on special projects, like patient experience reporting and painting. In addition, a handful of individuals volunteer for one-time projects, such as our November luncheon fundraiser, labeling dental bags, etc.

In 2017, volunteers donated 126 hours, amounting to $3,111 worth of work. The following year, we quadrupled the hours to 519 hours, amounting to $12,814 worth of work. The estimated value of volunteer time is determined by Independent Sector, a coalition of individuals, charities, foundations and corporations that publishes research important to the nonprofit sector.

“We have a small but mighty group of dedicated volunteers at HPC,” Catherine says. “In Marketing, it would be very difficult to achieve everything we do without our volunteers. They are trained to pull together community outreach supply boxes, organize files, track and develop reports and a host of other responsibilities. Volunteers provide a real value to HPC – and we’re able to quantify it, which many funders like to see.”

She adds, “As the clinic expands and works toward enhancing its patient experience, the need for volunteers will likely grow. Today’s volunteers bring a wealth of experience, skills and energy to organizations such as HPC, and it’s a win for everyone involved.”

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. This signature week is about honoring the impact of volunteers in our communities and inspiring others to serve.

Following are some of the reasons for volunteers to connect with an organization:

• Help People/Make a difference
• Gain Perspective on different health care settings possible for future career decisions
• Fill in Extra Time
• Feel Useful
• Apply Work Skills in New Ways
• Self Esteem
• Connect with Different Professionals as a volunteer
• Flexible hours mutually agreed upon

When an organization seeks volunteers, it seeks a fit with organizational goals.  What the organization gains must fit with what the volunteer has with time and expertise to give. Because volunteers are part of an organization, volunteers should be able to meet similar expectations for their service as those of any employee.

Why do I volunteer? (By Bev Dudley)

I don’t know why I first started volunteering. I recall volunteering to help challenged youth with swimming lessons one summer. With retirement came the time to create my own new goals and volunteering has a place in those endeavors for me.

When I got in touch with HPC, I didn’t know what my volunteer role would be, but Catherine felt like I would be a fit for her department. After nearly a year of volunteering, I’ve found my “volunteer” home. I am responsible for the monthly volunteer hours report, assist in research, make calls, handle other office work and help represent the clinic at marketing outreach events. I know that what I do each Wednesday indirectly supports the clinic’s mission of serving our community. It’s very rewarding!

Want to Get Involved?

Everyone who seeks volunteer work has their own motivations and needs. Long term or short term, thinking about future careers or being retired and having the flexibility to do things which fit their present needs and desires, there are opportunities out there to explore.

To learn more, visit us at https://hpcks.org/volunteer-information/, or call Catherine at 913-730-3680.