News & Blog

Residents Active as Volunteers

By Gwen Marable

Broadmead has a history of voluntarism. At one time, residents worked in the Outpatient Department and read menus and poured water for patients on Hallowell. Sara Moore, Volunteer Coordinator, reports that in 2020 a total of 2,263 hours were donated by 166 volunteers, of whom 30 were residents. Other volunteers came from all over the county and various local communities. These activities represent only a fraction of the volunteer activities that residents are engaged in outside of Broadmead.

Broadmead's volunteer program went virtual in mid-March because of the pandemic. The program is part of the Center of Excellence in Health and Wellness.

Activities have included making cards and decorations for holidays, talking on the phone, Zoom visits, leading classes and musical and other video performances. One resident taught weekly knitting and crocheting classes. Another taught a weekly art class for Darlington residents. Sara also initiated a Pen Pal program, which includes writing on Zoom and by snail mail.

Students from Govans Elementary School have been mentored by volunteers since before the pandemic. Recently, volunteers have been helping to assemble the material for "This Week at Broadmead," better known as "the Yellow Sheet."

According to the Mayo Clinic website, volunteering decreases the risk of depression, gives a sense of purpose and teaches skills, helps people stay physically and mentally stimulated, reduces stress levels, may increase longevity, and helps people to meet others and to develop new relationships.