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Waveny celebrated volunteers who served at Waveny Care Center in The Village, the Adult Day Program, The Inn and the eldercare's other offerings. "There are many reasons why I volunteer," said Deb Perron, Waveny’s Director of Volunteers. "I can tell you that it’s the fastest way to make yourself happy."
The event marked the mid-point of a week-long celebration in honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, which was themed "Volunteers: Making the World a Brighter Place." More than 200 volunteers gathered together in recognition of their service to Waveny throughout the years. "To know that you’re the reason for someone else’s smile and happiness is pretty powerful,” said Perron.
Nearly 50 active Waveny volunteers were recognized for service-hour milestones ranging from 50 to 3,500 hours. Additionally, 29 loyal volunteers received awards commemorating their anniversaries of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 30 years of service at Waveny. "We have a wonderful group of volunteers, many of whom that have dedicated decades to helping our seniors," said Kristin Sinatra, vice president of marketing at Waveny. "Helping others can be addicting because it feels good knowing that you gave back. I think we have an unselfish group of people that likes giving more than receiving."
Volunteers and Junior Volunteers help in a variety of ways throughout Waveny LifeCare Network. Roles are tailored to individual skills and interests, with orientation and training sessions provided on-site. In addition to providing one-on-one attention, volunteers assist with activities ranging from social hour and afternoon tea to painting, gardening and flower arranging. They also contributed on special projects in Waveny’s dining, administrative, development and therapeutic recreation departments. "We don't want to just throw a volunteer into any department. We work with them and come up with creative ways to help them help the seniors," said Sinatra.
For more information about Waveny Lifecare Network, click here.
