The Witham Volunteer of the Year Mrs. Helen Parks.
The Witham Volunteer Organization hosted its annual meeting at Witham Health Services on April 10, 2024, in the Jack Jones Community Room. Volunteers and Chaplains gathered together to enjoy a delicious lunch catered by the Witham Dietary Department and to celebrate all of their many accomplishments and their service to Witham throughout the year.
Kelly Braverman, President and CEO of Witham Health Services welcomed everyone and expressed her and the hospital staff’s appreciation for the support provided and work completed by the many Volunteers and Chaplains throughout the year. Mrs. Braverman also shared hospital updates such as awards received, new providers and plans for continued growth and patient care.
Amy Mitchell, Director of Volunteer Services commented that “The Witham volunteers bring so much value, joy, encouragement and support to our patients, staff, hospital and community at large. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing team of individuals who want to give their time and talent to support Witham and care for our patients.”
Ms. Mitchell further noted that there are now more than 40 volunteers at Witham that help in over 20 different locations and departments of the hospital, and celebrated that Witham volunteers provided over 5,000 hours of their time in 2023. With volunteers ranging in age from 18 years to 91 years young, Witham’s longest tenured volunteer is Lenda Vickrey who has been volunteering for more than 31 years, starting at the original hospital. “Witham is grateful and honored to celebrate all the volunteers who give of their time and make a difference for our patients. We couldn’t do all that we do without them.” said Mitchell.
The Witham Volunteer of the Year was also announced at the meeting and was awarded to Mrs. Helen Parks. Ms. Mitchell commented, “The Witham Volunteer of the Year Award is given to a select volunteer who has been chosen by their Witham volunteer peers and staff. This award is given to someone who has shown to go above and beyond what is expected of them in their role as a volunteer at Witham, and who embodies what it means to provide exemplary service and support to not only our hospital, but also our staff our patients, and to one another.”
“Helen has been on the Witham team for over 4 years. Anyone who has spent any amount of time with her knows that she has a heart for volunteering, a heart to serve and a heart for people. She is always sharing her warm smile and friendly personality with everyone she meets. She never knows a stranger and always makes everyone feel welcomed and cared for (especially those patients who are kiddos)! Helen he has a soft-spoken, unassuming demeanor, but a heart as big as the sun. I have come to know and deeply care for her not only as a Witham volunteer, but also as a good friend. She truly is a blessing to me and to all of us here at Witham,” said Mitchell.
For more information about volunteering at Witham, contact Amy Mitchell, (765) 485-8175; or by Email at: amitchell@witham.org.
