“As an organization, we are committed to caring for individuals body, mind, soul,” explains Collabria Care President & CEO Linda Gibson, “and our volunteers are the lifeblood that flows through all of that.”
“Volunteers are not a separate entity at Collabria Care, they are an integral part of our program,” Linda says. “Our volunteers are involved in all capacities: from patient care to administrative support to helping with community events and programs. Volunteers make our programs richer and deeper for patients and staff alike.”
In fact, that earned Collabria Care a “Point of Light Service Enterprise” designation by the Center for Volunteer and Non-Profit Leadership for making volunteers central to its efforts—one of approximately 200 nonprofit organizations across the country to be recognized as such in 2015.
Collabria Care counts 135 “full” volunteers (who have undergone extensive training to provide patient care and staff support), approximately 20 “community” volunteers, including those who help with fundraising events; and “youth” volunteers: dozens of high-school students who participate each year with intergenerational programs in the Collabria Day program. Our youngest volunteer is 13 and the oldest is 91.
“Many volunteers, impacted profoundly by the experience of a loved one or friend receiving our services, choose to be involved with patient care,” says Collabria Care’s Volunteer Services Manager Anne House. “Others are interested in working at the reception desk, in one of our retail stores or on events. But either way, as they learn more about the programs, many are inspired to try other volunteer positions, which we always welcome.”
Every April, during National Volunteer Month, we celebrate the dedication and contribution of our volunteers with a party here at our Napa facility. Awards are given to those who have made significant contributions in specific areas of our operations. The 2016 winners are:
Community Volunteer: Mark Dommen
Palliative Care Volunteer: Terry Trivett
Hospice Volunteer: Pat Conti
Day Program Volunteer: Pat Orr
Front Desk Volunteer: Joan Fromowitz