“It’s an amazing thing,” Sharon Miller, Center for Healing & Hope board member, said at the beginning of the annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch. “It’s an amazing thing that people with a passion come together to do really good work. Thank you so much for your amazing work.”

More than 50 volunteers joined in the celebration that honored the doctors, nurses, chaplains, registrars, cashiers and all the others who contribute their time and expertise to the Center.

One part of the thanks to volunteers was a specially designed wall hanging that includes comments from patients about their appreciation. Mikaela Toler (at center in photo with Bryan Mierau and Marbella Chavez) created the artwork using quotes from the patient satisfaction surveys.

Gil Pérez, clinic manager, said, “I want to emphasize that without you the Center would not be able to function.” In addition to the work they do, Gil said, “Each one of you has been a teacher to me.”

Sandra Camacho, volunteer coordinator and office manager, announced that clinic and office volunteers contributed 3,280 hours in the previous 12 months. The medical professional with the most hours in the clinic during that time was Verda Weaver, volunteer nurse. The person with the most non-clinical hours was Mim Kiogima, former office manager for the Center.

When the Center began issuing GRID (Goshen Resident ID) cards in December 2017, there was a need for volunteers to assist with the registration sessions. Marbella Chavez, immigrant resource coordinator, announced that 252 GRID volunteer hours had been contributed, with Tim Hershberger of Interra Credit Union having the highest count among that group.

Along with the thank-yous that each staff member shared with the group came a call for more volunteers. The Center is continually seeking more people who have a heart to help others and make a difference in the community.

“It’s important for you to know that with your time and your smile, you give of yourself. It’s amazing. Thank you,” Sandra said.