Melanie McNeil, Esq., State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

 

Dear volunteers:

During this month of April in which we honor volunteers, I want to thank you for all that you do in advocating for long-term care facility residents. Even during this time when you cannot visit in person, residents are missing your presence just as you are missing them.  A quote I heartily endorse is “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”

You may never know the profound effect that you have had on the vulnerable residents you serve.  A kind word, a gentle touch, or a listening ear can mean so much to someone who is sick, in pain or lonely. You generously give your gift of time to make many contacts, providing support and encouragement to make someone’s day a bit more bearable because you have taken the time to care and to listen.

You come from many different backgrounds. You have many different life experiences. And yet, you all have at least one thing in common: your willingness to give your time to help others. You volunteer for many different reasons, but whatever the reason may be, you provide support, skills, talents, and abilities to give someone hope, strength, and the courage to face another day.  You give your time generously without any expectation of reward. Yet, you receive the reward of comradeship with other volunteers who you may have never met otherwise. Lasting friendships, social activities, and new skills may be just some of the unexpected rewards that you gain from your volunteering experience.

I am humbled by your generosity of spirit and your compassion for your fellow human beings.  It is all of you who so generously give your time, your warmth, and your caring.  It is all of you, doing what you do, who make me proud to serve with you as the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.  Thank you for volunteering.