Podcasts about volunteer services

In this heartfelt episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we welcome Jenny Falk, Director of MAP Operations, as she reflects on her 11 years of service with TRM and her recent transition to Compassion Strategies. From humble beginnings as a volunteer serving meals with her sons, Jenny's journey took her through roles in the Thrift Store, Volunteer Services, Operation Food Secure, and ultimately, the Mobile Access Partnership (MAP)—an initiative launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to bring services directly to those on the streets.Along the way, Jenny experienced many moments that shaped her faith and deepened her understanding of community—moments of challenge, growth, and unexpected connection. Her journey is marked by the Lord's guidance and a growing heart for serving neighbors with humility and compassion.As she prepares for the 4-year celebration of MAP on May 22nd, Jenny discusses the bittersweet emotions of leaving TRM and her excitement for what's next.Join us for a conversation about service without competition, Kingdom-minded expansion, and the faith it takes to step into something new.To learn more about TRM, Click Here!To support TRM, Click Here! Send us a Message!

It's YOUR time to #EdUp In this episode, President Series (Powered By ⁠⁠⁠Ellucian⁠⁠⁠) #340, recorded Live from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education⁠ 2024 Annual Conference, & brought to YOU by the ⁠⁠InsightsEDU⁠⁠ 2025 conference YOUR guests are Dr. Judi Sciple, Senior VP for Accreditation Relations & Services, Dr. Ryan Hartnett, VP for Institutional Field Relations, Dr. Terence Peavy, VP for Institutional Field Relations, Tray Patterson, Director for Volunteer Services, MSCHE, & Dr. Steven M. Rose, President, Passaic Community College YOUR cohost is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation Insights YOUR host is ⁠⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio This episode features Dr. Judy Sciple⁠ discussing Middle States' approach to innovation & accreditation standards, followed by Ryan Hartnett & Terrence Peevy exploring institutional field relations & support for member institutions. The conversation continues with Dr. Steven Rose & Trey Patterson sharing insights on financial challenges facing higher education, the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the accreditation process, & the significance of the 90-credit bachelor's degree initiative. Through multiple perspectives, from senior leadership to volunteer services, the guests emphasize Middle States' commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining quality standards, with Patterson highlighting the critical role of over 1,800 volunteer peer evaluators in maintaining the integrity of the accreditation process. Listen in to #EdUp Do YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development? Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more? Then ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY⁠⁠ - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)! Want YOUR org to cover costs? Email: EdUp@edupexperience.com Thank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp! Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠ ● Join YOUR EdUp community at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The EdUp Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We make education YOUR business!

Sondra Witt Burch, age 88, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 7, 2024. The day prior had been a day of love, laughter, and tears, surrounded by her loving family. Following a private family burial, a celebration of Sondra's life is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 2:00PM at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Robinson, Texas with visitation for family and friends immediately following the service. Sondra was born in Waco, Texas on March 27, 1936, to George Cleveland, Sr., and Virginia Craven Witt. She was a lifelong Waco resident and loved her community. She often reminisced about her family home on Washington Ave and the many mischievous escapades she and her brother Cleveland would get into as children and teens. As a young girl, Sondra and her mother Virginia knitted sweaters for WWII soldiers and entertained local soldiers from the USO by playing piano and organ duets and serving food in their home. During the Waco tornado of 1953, Sondra was having her senior portraits made at the studio of Jimmy Willis. These proofs were found 30 years later by Mr. Willis and personally delivered to the then Sondra Burch. Sondra attended Waco High School where she fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Jackson Bryce Burch and they married June 4, 1955. Sondra and Jack shared 53 wonderful years until Jack's passing in 2008. As newlyweds, Jack served his country in the USAF. While stationed in Germany, Sondra's fondest memories were being a member of the Officer's Wives Club and the birth of her firstborn son, Bryce. Sondra continued her love of service to others by helping organize projects to aid refugees during the Hungarian Revolution. Upon returning to the states, Treacy and Ben arrived six years apart to the day, completing their family. She managed to raise three lively boys while maintaining poise, grace, and style. She was known to bring orange juice or lemonade out to the waste management collectors on occasion! Sondra was proud of her heritage and the Waco community. She served on numerous placements through Junior League of Waco. Service was her gift, and she spent countless hours on local committees and Boards of Director including Waco Cotton Palace, United Way, Hedonia Club, Red Cross, Hillcrest Baptist Hospital Auxiliary, Providence Park Auxiliary, and many more. She coordinated blood drives, created Adopt A Grandparent programs and Adopt A School programs, and organized volunteer services and training through many local agencies. Even in her career choices, Sondra chose areas of service. After 25 years of serving as Director of Volunteer Services for Hillcrest Baptist Hospital she retired in 1997. She didn't stay retired long and subsequently served as Director of Volunteer Services for Family Abuse Center, Director of Volunteer Services for United Way, Director of Human Resources for Brazos Psychiatric Hospital, and Director of Volunteer Services and Community Relations for Christus Regis St. Elizabeth. Jack and Sondra prioritized family and Sunday lunch was expected at the Burch household. Some of the family's most treasured memories are those Sunday lunches, and family vacations to Colorado, Mo Ranch, and grandchildren only trips to New York. Sondra wanted her children and grandchildren to see and experience the world and all that life has to offer. She valued creating memories with each one of them and enjoyed “breaking a few rules” for the sake of fun! Colton and Tanner were introduced to the fine skill and technique of “wrapping” houses in Castle Heights along with Friday night sleepovers and non-parent approved movies at Honey and Papa's. Lottie, Amber, and Braxton were immersed in all thing's “girly” such as dolls, tea parties and pretty dresses. She wanted her children and grandchildren to know that life's rewards come first and foremost from a relationship with Jesus, a good work ethic, and treating people with kindness, love, and respect. Following the devastating loss of her husband Jack and two of her sons, Treacy and Bryce, Sondra found love again with Ross Sams Jr. They were married on March 16, 2010. She often called Ross her Knight in Shining Armor. She and Ross loved to travel when their health permitted. When they were no longer able, they reminisced about the adventures they shared together and “planned” many trips that we all knew would never be taken. Sondra was an avid Lady Bears Basketball and Baylor Football fan, a Dallas Mavericks fan, and she grew to love Texas Longhorn Football, Ross's alma mater. Sondra and Ross both suffered the devastating effects of cognitive impairment (dementia) in their later years. As their respective impairments advanced and health declined, it became necessary for Sondra to move to an environment with caregivers who could provide compassionate, empathic, and loving care, as this could not be provided in her home. She spent her final years at Arbor House where she was known as their very own “Georgia Peach”! Sondra flourished under their loving and specialized care and the staff quickly became family. She loved each one of them and we cannot thank them enough for taking care of “Honey.” Sondra expressed her unwavering love for Ross until her death. As with Sondra, we take great comfort knowing that when Ross entered heaven, his body was healed, his mind was restored, and all truths revealed. We know that they loved each other dearly. Sondra was a true “Southern Lady,” full of class and character. She was often compared to the late Audrey Hepburn who spoke the following words… “The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” Sondra often exhibited this beauty in her kindness to others. She was the perfect hostess and became Pen Pals with many of the children of her close friends while they were away at college or in the military. She had a most giving heart and a beautiful soul. Sondra is preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Jackson Bryce Burch Sr., and Ross Martin Sams Jr.; two sons, Treacy Andrew Burch, and Jackson Bryce Burch Jr; and brother and sister-in-law, George Cleveland, Jr., and Martha Witt. Sondra is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Genie Burch; daughter-in-law, Tracy Burch Thompson and husband Darrell; sister-in-law, Catherine Burch Bass; grandchildren, Lottie Bullock and husband BJ, Amber Araiza and husband Icaro, Colton Burch and wife Meighann, Tanner Burch, and Braxton Burch; 6 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; as well as her lifelong friends Betty Williams, Margie Allen, and Pat Dicorte. Sondra's grandchildren and their spouses will serve as honorary pallbearers. At Sondra's request, memorials may be made in her memory to, Meadowbrook Baptist Church Youth and Children's Ministry Camp Scholarship Fund. The following Ralph Waldo Emerson quote was found written in Sondra's handwriting. “To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition, to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived…This is to have succeeded.” Honey, you have succeeded! Till we meet again… Celebration Services and visitation are pending at this time. Please check back for updated information.Sondra's family invites you to leave a message or memory on her "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.

Alex Seblatnigg, Director of Volunteer Services and Internal Engagement at Shepherd Center—a leading rehabilitation facility specializing in spinal cord and acquired brain injuries—shares the inspiring stories of former patients who return as volunteers after discharge. Tune in as she highlights the unique value these volunteers bring to the patient experience and how they seamlessly integrate and collaborate with the existing volunteer team to enhance care and support.

      Anne Gross, PhD, RN, FAAN, is senior vice president for patient care services and chief nursing officer. Dr. Gross is responsible for adult and pediatric nursing practice across all sites of care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, and the Center for Clinical and Professional Development. She also oversees a variety of other clinical services, patient and family programs, and Volunteer Services.       Since joining Dana-Farber in 2002, she has led implementations of a primary nursing care model and a residency training program for newly licensed nurses, and secured funding for programs and research to support inclusion, diversity and equity, positive practice environments, and self-care and renewal programs. She also is involved in committees, boards, and initiatives nationally and internationally and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.       Dana-Farber continues to grow, and Nursing and Patient Care Services is continually evolving to meet the increasing need for our services with an inclusive and welcoming environment. Dana-Farber recently opened the International Patient Center in the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care. At our regional campuses, collaborative efforts among clinical teams led to increased enrollment in clinical trials and the first regional campus-specific trial. In Patient Care Services, there was a notable rise in requests for interpreter services and support through the patient-volunteer One-to-One Program.       These initiatives, and many others, have contributed to Dana-Farber's Magnet culture, resulting in the organization's fifth consecutive designation in 2024. Out of an estimated 6,200 hospitals and health systems nationwide, fewer than 1% have achieved a total of five Magnet designations. Dana-Farber's Inpatient Hospital also recently received two awards from Press Ganey for excellence in patient experience.       Nursing and Patient Care Services offers many educational and career development opportunities for current staff and future hires to advance their careers and ensure a highly skilled workforce.       Anne is touched by the stories she hears every day of the amazing work of our nurses and patient care services staff who often go above and beyond. Some examples include:• Staff at our Milford campus who recently organized and celebrated a high school graduation with a party for a patient.•       Our Brighton campus recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary of caring for patients.       Adults with cancer experience a significantly higher level of anxiety compared with the general population and so a group led by nurses launched a project to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using medical-grade weighted blankets to reduce patient anxiety. They found that patients felt much less anxious using the weighted blankets, and now these are available in almost every infusion area across the institute. ·   This year, the Institute celebrates 25 years of our all-volunteer adult and pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs).

Love and compassion abound when Tressa sits down with Rebecca Maletto-Cornell and Theresa Bolden from AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program. Rebecca is the program's Director of Volunteer Services and Theresa has been a foster grandparent for several years. This national AmeriCorps program is sponsored locally by Wesley Family Services. ⁠⁠AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wesley Family Services⁠⁠ In Case Yinz Missed It: ⁠⁠Sound It Out⁠⁠; ⁠⁠https://sounditouttogether.org/⁠⁠; ⁠⁠The Ad Council⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠ Have a story of GENEROSITY or KINDNESS to share with us? Email us at yinzaregood@gmail.com To request a KINDNESS CRATE drop off at your business or school, email us at yinzaregood@gmail.com

Got time, talent or treasure to share? You're in the right place. This episode is all about giving back to your neighbors through acts big or small, with some tales of volunteering along the way.   Special guests in this episode (city staff and volunteers): Aimee Kane, Equity Officer Ali Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Wegner, Volunteer Services and Partnerships Program Supervisor Andrew Shoemaker, Volunteer Karen Donnelly, Volunteer Cameos from Deputy City Manager Chris Meschuk and Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for OSMP Jennelle Freeston.   This episode was hosted by Cassy Bohnet and Leah Kelleher. It was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear, licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Related Resources: Volunteer Opportunities with the City of Boulder Count Me In volunteer web portal Volunteer with Parks and Recreation Volunteer with OSMP Volunteer with EXPAND Meet the people behind the city: attend What's Up Boulder! When: Saturday, September 7, 2024 Where: East Boulder Community Park between the soccer field and East Age Well Center. What: Popsicles, lawn games, conversations with council members, music and more!  Learn more on our website.   Music in this episode (adapted):  Ring Ouzel, The Crumbling, Dream Caper and County Courtship by Blue Dot Sessions. All are licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License on Free Music Archive.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Sandra Wilson, Manager of Volunteer Services for the WV Supportive Living Volunteer Program. Description: Supportive Living includes both Personal care (formally called Assisted Living) and Skilled Nursing both at the Glen (on the Manor campus) and at Lakeside on the Lakes Campus. Volunteers have many things they can offer from leading discussion groups, to being a friendly visitor, to crafts assisting, bingo, card games and social country rides. If you have a well-behaved dog, you can bring your pet as well without them being certified therapy dogs. Sandy has about 30-40 active volunteers, but more are needed and welcomed. You can find out more about volunteering by calling Sandy at 717-464-6811 or going to the Intranet-Volunteer link.

As part of our community health partnership with Valley Health, this month we talked with Scott Trivette, Program Manager of Volunteer Services. Scott manages the volunteer programs at Winchester Medical Center and Warren Memorial Hospital. Scott emphasizes the impact of volunteerism on the community and discusses the role of volunteers in providing hope and healing at hospitals. He talks about how volunteering goes beyond traditional roles, he welcomes individuals with various skill sets, the inclusive nature of volunteering and the rewarding experience it offers. He mentions the rebuilding of the volunteer program post-COVID and the need for more volunteers - particularly those interested in driving the courtesy van. He also explains the process of volunteering at Valley Health, highlighting online applications and orientations. We discuss accommodating volunteers with limited availability and remote volunteering options. Learn more about volunteering at Valley Health on their website: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/volunteer If you'd like to host Scott as a speaker for your community group, click here to send him an email. You can also reach him via phone: 540-536-8158

In this episode of Under One Roof, find out everything you need to know about the massive number and range of volunteers who help us deliver services to young people in need year-round, in the fabulously capable hands of our Manager of Volunteer Services, Amanda Merler.

On Monday, Brenda Streit, Courtney Cinnamon, and Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about volunteers at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Volunteer Services is always looking for new volunteers to help out in various places throughout the hospital. It's a chance for retired people or young people looking to log volunteer hours. It's a chance to work with the public and be part of the team at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center that helps to care for the community. If you have interest in becoming a volunteer at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, get in touch with Brenda Streit, Volunteer Coordinator at OSF at (815) 876-2254. 

Volunteers fill many significant roles to support the human experience in healthcare.  Hear from Erin Pittman, Director of Volunteer Services, who oversees volunteer programs, hospital gift shops and animal assisted services at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Erin shares her perspectives about the complex field of volunteer management and the importance of understanding the impact of volunteers have in connecting with patients through empathy, kindness and human centered care. She discusses the process to engage volunteers and discover their personal “why” to volunteer. Erin describes the shifts and future innovations in volunteer services including embracing diversity and other success tips. #mayokeyintoquality Hosted by: Hosted by: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D., Vice Chair, Quality, Mayo Clinic, and Sheri Nemec, Consultation and Relationship Manager, Quality Department, Mayo Clinic LinkedIn: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. and Sheri Nemec Twitter: @DrTimMorg Guest LinkedIn:  Erin Pittman

We talk volunteering with Leah Rosen, Volunteer Services Team Leader at Transitions LifeCare and Allison Antkowiak, Musical Presence Volunteer at Transitions LifeCare.

The first ever LIVE episode of Scouting Stuff, and an introduction to Scouts Canada's “Sasquatch Seekers” event. Podcast Topics In the first of what will become a series of LIVE episodes, Scouter Ken is joined by Kate Larkin - the Director of Program & Volunteer Services for Scouts Canada - to discuss the Sasquatch Seekers challenge. This is a series of four weekly challenges for Scout Groups across Canada to complete, exploring a variety of activities and skills all themed around the hunt for Canada's most elusive megafauna. (There's also a leaderboard, by the way. With prizes.) Mike Eybel - the Associate Director of Communications for Scouts Canada, and an occasional guest of the podcast - also makes an appearance or two. And again: this episode is a recording of a live event that was done on the Scouts Canada Discussion Group on Facebook. Shout-Outs A big thank you to Scouts Canada and Mike Eybel for facilitating this episode, and to Kate Larkin for being the inaugural guest! Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Are you a faculty member looking to collaborate with community organizations? By working together, universities and community organizations can create mutually beneficial relationships that enrich the educational experience, address community needs, and contribute to positive societal outcomes.  Achieving the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is one of the aspirational imperatives included in the Augusta University strategic plan. Pursuing this elective classification involves extensive work documenting how the university is partnering with the Augusta community.  On this episode, Tina Baggott, Associate Vice President for Volunteer Services & Community Engagement at Augusta University, discusses the pursuit for this classification. She discusses its importance for higher education, available resources for faculty, and more.   Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find more episodes and resources on our show page. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. 

Are you looking to volunteer at a place where you can make a big difference? Perhaps you are retired and looking for volunteer work to enrich your time? OSF Volunteer Services has volunteer opportunities in a number of areas at both OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clair Medical Center in Princeton. Brenda Streit and Samantha Rux, along with a special guest volunteer, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, January 22nd, to talk about volunteer services at OSF Healthcare. You can volunteer immediately by contacting either OSF location and asking for Volunteer Services. 

Caleb and Riley are joined by Dena Silverberg for a deep dive into world of social prescribing and senior wellness. In this episode Dena is going to help us really define this idea for us today, and even the role it can play in finding fulfillment, connection and ultimately living life more richly. Our ultimate goal for you in today's episode, is to help you to uncover a new pathway for your retirement, one that gives you a more connected and engaged life as an older adult. Prior to joining OACAO, Dena was the Vice President of Health and Wellness at Better Living Health and Community Services and worked there for 22 years overseeing various departments including Senior Active Living Centers, Adult Day Programs, Exercise and Falls Programming, Social Work Services, Volunteer Services and Hospice and Palliative Care Services. Learn more about: The profound effects of social engagement on seniors, and the real-world difference between having it and lacking it. The optimal age and ways to benefit from Senior Active Living Centers for a richer, socially connected retirement. Insights into where social prescribing is headed, its impact, and the challenges it faces. Resources: Contact Dena: dena@oacao.org https://open.alberta.ca/publications/directory-of-seniors-centres-in-alberta https://www.allianceon.org/Social-Prescribing-Conference www.oacao.org Hosted by Caleb Miller and Riley Anderson of InvestorDNA Meet Caleb and Riley Book a Call Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Google Podcasts

“Opening a door for someone and smiling could literally save their life,” local chaplain and single dad Chaz Blackburn, 34, says.   Blackburn knows what he's talking about, as in addition to being the Spiritual Care and Director of Volunteer Services at the Circle of Life Hospice, he helps with many other worthy organizations in town including in the teen suicide realm, with organizations such as Forever 14 and The Solace Tree among many.  He's also lost too many close people to suicide.  Blackburn describes his current work as being that of an “emotional spiritual paramedic,”  to support those in crisis and provide grief support. “A chaplain is a bridge to resources like a social worker and those different resources that a social worker would provide,” he explained during a recent podcast interview, in between taking calls and preparing community events. “We're a bridge to other people's faith. So no matter your faith or walk, we're not there to judge you or evangelize or push our beliefs. We're there to serve you wherever you're at… I'm here to support and love everybody and be that presence through those difficult times.”  

If you've ever been part of a large family Thanksgiving dinner, you know that the logistics can be a challenge. So imagine how tough it must be to prepare and deliver 4000 turkey dinners, including 1600 pies, to 800 clients in the DMV area on the holiday. This is where Katrina Mathis shines. She's director of volunteer services at Food and Friends, where they prepare and deliver medically-tailored meals to those battling serious illnesses every day. Her dedication to service is inspirational. And supporting her cause is one of the most heartwarming ways to give thanks and give back during not only the holidays, but all year long.  Looking for the best cocktail to accompany you while you listen. Then head over to our library of libations for the right recipe to get you in the mood. Don't forget to follow, download and review to share your thoughts about the show! Get the featured cocktail recipe:  Grateful Groundlings Martini ********************************** The Designated Drinker Show is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, we craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Also in the Missing Link line-up of podcasts, is Rodger That—a podcast dedicated to guiding you through the haze of dementia led by skilled caregivers, Bobbi and Mike Carducci.  Now, if you are looking for a whole new way to enjoy the theater, check out Between Acts—an immersive audio theater podcast experience. Each episode takes you on a spellbinding journey through the works of newfound playwrights—from dramas to comedies and everything in between.

If you've ever been part of a large family Thanksgiving dinner, you know that the logistics can be a challenge. So imagine how tough it must be to prepare and deliver 4000 turkey dinners, including 1600 pies, to 800 clients in the DMV area on the holiday. This is where Katrina Mathis shines. She's director of volunteer services at Food and Friends, where they prepare and deliver medically-tailored meals to those battling serious illnesses every day. Her dedication to service is inspirational. And supporting her cause is one of the most heartwarming ways to give thanks and give back during not only the holidays, but all year long.  Looking for the best cocktail to accompany you while you listen. Then head over to our library of libations for the right recipe to get you in the mood. Don't forget to follow, download and review to share your thoughts about the show! ********************************** The Designated Drinker Show is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, we craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Also in the Missing Link line-up of podcasts, is Rodger That—a podcast dedicated to guiding you through the haze of dementia led by skilled caregivers, Bobbi and Mike Carducci.  Now, if you are looking for a whole new way to enjoy the theater, check out Between Acts—an immersive audio theater podcast experience. Each episode takes you on a spellbinding journey through the works of newfound playwrights—from dramas to comedies and everything in between.

In this episode, Matt talks to Amy Lester, Director of Volunteer Services at Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Amy talks about her role, the wide variety of volunteer opportunities available at the hospital, and the impact this kind of volunteerism has on people of all ages and abilities. Amy also talks about what she thinks the community should know about Frisbie and the programs she's managing.

Chris Holman welcomes back Michelle Reynaert, VP, Sparrow Foundation, Volunteer Services, Health & Wellness, Lansing, MI. A fine event yesterday, tell us all about this year's Sparrow Classic? What did the funds go to? Did you have good participation from the business community? Any sponsor to especially thank for their help with that event? How has the first half of 2023 gone for the Sparrow Foundation? What events can we look forward to over the rest of this year?

In this episode, Tobi dives into the essential strategies and techniques to effectively structure and manage your volunteer program, even with limited resources. Whether you're a nonprofit executive, volunteer coordinator, or volunteer services director, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the challenges of organizing and optimizing your volunteer services.Full show notes: 070. How to Organize a Volunteer Services Department of OneThanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause. For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Episode Notes Looking for a way to stay active, form friendships, and make a difference? Volunteering is just what the doctor ordered . . .thus, it is our subject of focus on this week's "Blabbin'"! My guest is Mrs. Sara Camic, who is Manager of Volunteer Services at UK Healthcare in Lexington. Sara will detail the wide array of volunteer opportunities offered through her particular program, along with the many perks and incentives enjoyed by personnel in these capacities. She'll also explain why those outside the Lexington area should investigate similar volunteer outlets locally. Learn more about Mrs. Camic's program by visiting UK Healthcare's volunteer services page at this link: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/wellness-community/volunteer-observe/volunteer. And, for additional information on the Snow Bunny Baby Project, as discussed in the podcast, simply visit the following website: https://snowbunnybabyproject.com/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Bailey Clubb is the Manager of Volunteer Services & Committees at Clarinda Regional Health Center.  She joined the Breakfast Club to chat about her job and the good things going on at CRHC.

Amy Veneciano shares how she re-evaluated and reset Volunteer Services at UCSF as the waves of COVID-19 subsided. During the long pause in using volunteer services, she describes the pandemic's silver lining as an opportunity to reflect on what to do differently to make a difference to patients, staff, and the volunteers themselves. Learn how streamlining processes, educating staff and recognizing the achievements of volunteers play into recruiting - and keeping - a dedicated and happy volunteer workforce.

Nurturing meaningful connections is the lifeblood of a successful nonprofit - connections with donors, volunteers, and residents.Tom Lyons, Director of Amanda's House and Volunteer Services at Glens Falls Hospital, shares how these community connections lay the foundation for sustainable growth, amplifying an organization's impact and empowering it to make a lasting difference.From exciting events like the Aloha Run to the power of word-of-mouth marketing, Tom shares the key strategies for fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and marketing in the nonprofit world.Connect & Learn More:Tom LyonsAmanda's HouseAloha RunApply to volunteer with Glens Falls HospitalJust Off Glen is recorded in the podcast studio of WorkSmart Coworking and Meeting Space and is produced by Black Mountain Visuals in Glens Falls, NY.Don't work alone! WorkSmart provides a ready-to-be-productive space with a supportive community to help YOU do your best work. Book a tour today!

Nurturing meaningful connections is the lifeblood of a successful nonprofit - connections with donors, volunteers, and residents. Tom Lyons, Director of Amanda's House and Volunteer Services at Glens Falls Hospital, shares how these community connections lay the foundation for sustainable growth, amplifying an organization's impact and empowering it to make a lasting difference.From exciting events like the Aloha Run to the power of word-of-mouth marketing, Tom shares the key strategies for fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and marketing in the nonprofit world.Connect & Learn More:Tom LyonsAmanda's House Aloha RunApply to volunteer with Glens Falls HospitalJust Off Glen is recorded in the podcast studio of WorkSmart Coworking and Meeting Space and is produced by Black Mountain Visuals in Glens Falls, NY. Don't work alone! WorkSmart provides a ready-to-be-productive space with a supportive community to help YOU do your best work. Book a tour today!

When someone asks you to interview you on your podcast, what do you say? No! Well, I didn't and so here we are. Angela Williamson, CVA, and Carrie Hart, CVA interview me for my own podcast. It was weird. They asked hard questions and I edited those answers out, but what was left was really good too! I mean it was over an hour and who wants to hear all of that? Carrie said there were multiple truth bombs lol. Listen in to how your No's make way for your Yes's, why boundaries are so important, self-care vs selfishness…and watch me squirm to answer their questions. It was a good time! Thank you, ladies! Let's do it again sometime, but not on camera lolol! Oh yes, and here is the lyric I couldn't remember: "Sometimes the thrill of soaring had to begin with the fear of falling."Info from the episode: TuPractice: https://youtu.be/Yv8AmiIF4C4  Crystal Lewis Song: For Such A Time of This https://youtu.be/ODmY96Pd3P4 Sometimes the thrill of soaring had to begin with the fear of falling  My hype songs:Anything 90's hip hop and R&B Expect to Win – Carla Harrishttps://www.amazon.com/Expect-Win-Strategies-Thriving-Workplace/dp/B09XWSWK7P/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580696542421&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9053023&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13960303653595213705&hvtargid=kwd-12442739609&hydadcr=22566_13493360&keywords=carla+harris+expect+to+win&qid=1679488028&sr=8-1  Selfishness is Not Self-Carehttps://medium.com/@nicolersmith/selfishness-is-not-self-care-ad9431397302  Bio:Angela Williamson, CVA, appreciates the many people who have shared information, wisdom, and encouragement with her and loves to pay it forward to others.  She is the Volunteer and Community Relations Specialist at the Blood Bank of Delmarva where she's redeveloped the volunteer engagement from around 70 volunteers to over 300 in four years increasing the variety of roles and departments with volunteer engagement.   As a 2022 Al!ve Impact Award Recipient, she battles the “imposter” syndrome and wants you to know you too are amazing and we are all in a journey together to make the world a better place.  Connect with Angelahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilliamsoncva/      Carrie Hart, CVA, FPCC has 20 years in Volunteer Administration.  She found her passion for helping others as the Educator for the Biggs Museum and then the State Office of Volunteerism.  Now as the Manager of Volunteer Services at Bayhealth Medical Center, she leads more than 500 volunteers alongside her amazing staff.  Carrie received her Certification in Volunteer Administration in 2015, her Fellow in Patient-Centered Care in 2020, and was a 2021 Al!ve Impact Award Recipient.  A firm believer in giving back, she is also an active member of the Downtown Dover Partnership and the Board of the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators, of which she is a past president.Connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehart/  Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

In this episode, Lauren and David had a blast chatting with Jackie Godlewski, Fresh Food Program Manager, and Stephanie De La Hoz, Director of Programming, from Move for Hunger. Enjoy the conversation!Move for Hunger Links:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedInStephanie: Stephanie was born in the Philippines and currently resides in Tampa, Florida, USA, where she grew up. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language Education (Spanish/Italian) from Florida International University and a Master's Degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida. She started her career as a high school teacher, and then served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia for 2.5 years, training public school teachers and organizing youth development programs. Upon returning to the USA, Stephanie decided to focus her career on nonprofit work and became involved in hunger relief organizations. In January 2022, she began working at Move For Hunger, a non-profit organization focused on reducing food waste and fighting hunger, as the Director of Programming. There she oversees all of the organization's programs that help transport food from donation sources to distribution sites while engaging the moving and relocation industry. Stephanie is passionate about poverty alleviation, social justice, and education. In her free time she enjoys traveling, reading, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors with her two toddlers.Jackie: Jackie brings a variety of experience to her role as Fresh Food Program Manager at Move For Hunger. Originally from Connecticut, she pursued a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management from Penn State and worked in the industry for 13 years, focusing on event planning and hotel management. Pursuing her love of sales, Jackie traveled the tradeshow circuit for 3 years before enjoying a successful 15-year career with Dell Computers, concluding as Global Account Manager in the high tech industry in Austin, TX. Eager to give back, and led by a passion to help seniors, she pursued a career in the non-profit industry, first as Senior Center Director, then as Director of Volunteer Services, overseeing a team of 900 volunteers with Meals on Wheels PLUS and the Food Bank of Manatee County in FL. It was here she developed a passion for healthy living and fighting hunger with fresh healthy food. Since 2021, Jackie has been busy developing the new Fresh Food program at Move For Hunger which has become a key initiative for the organization in 2023.

Augusta University's Volunteer Services & Community Engagement team is ready to celebrate the lunch of JagPulse, the new community engagement platform. The implementation of JagPulse also supports the university's strategic plan goal of achieving the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement by 2026. Also, Tyler Beauchamp, a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia, joins to discuss his new book, Freeze Frame.

Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to not only remind us of what we are thankful for, but also to give back to those less fortunate. We talk with a representative from the Houston Food Bank who explains what the organization is doing to distribute meals to food insecure families and how you can get involved to help.  One easy way is to volunteer, and there are a multitude of ways in which individuals and groups can volunteer. To register online to volunteer with the Houston Food Bank, click here. Given how stressful preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for your family can be, we talk with the Executive Editor of Equipment Testing and Ingredient Tasting from America's Test Kitchen, Lisa McManus. She shares advice on the best tools to help make preparing your meal a breeze and offers tips on how to put dinner on the table in a timely fashion.     Guests: Katherine “Kat” Tong Director of Volunteer Services, Houston Food Bank Lisa McManus Executive Editor of Equipment Testing & Ingredient Tasting, America's Test Kitchen Co-Host, “Gear Heads” YouTube Show Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps

Jolie Phanton, Director of Community Outreach and Volunteer Services from Mount Hood Hospice joins the show.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

  Jennifer was born in Montreal but raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia makes the East Coast where she calls home.   With entrepreneurial parents, exposure to commercial and residential real estate at an early age meant that a career in Real Estate was inevitable. Homeownership and investment in real estate have been goals throughout her life and continue to be passions that drive her. When searching for a brokerage to align herself with, Jennifer looked for a level of professionalism and high standards that matched her processes and a strong sense of community to allow her to give back in her profession as much as she does in her personal life.   Volunteering with Shelter Movers Nova Scotia, a volunteer-powered non-profit organization providing free moving and storage services to people and families fleeing violence and abuse, as a Manager of Volunteer Services, keeps her busy when not spending time with her family.   Real Estate was a natural fit for Jennifer, having worked in corporate leadership and management roles for over a decade in addition to 30 years of authentic relationship-building. Jennifer carries the value of hard work, integrity, and passion in everything she does.   https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.evrealestate/ (Find out more @jennifer.evrealestate)

Jennifer Hancock is a mom, author of The Bully Vaccine, and founder of Humanist Learning Systems. Her professional background is varied including stints in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. She has served as Director of Volunteer Services for the Los Angeles SPCA, sold international franchise licenses for a biotech firm, was the Manager of Acquisition Group Information for a ½ billion dollar company and served as the executive director for the Humanists of Florida. Her speaking and teaching business coalesced into the founding of Humanist Learning Systems which provides online personal and professional development training in humanistic business management and science-based harassment training that actually works. Website: https://humanistlearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershawhancock/

In the conclusion to part 1, Wes, who began his new job as manager of volunteer services in December 2019 and as the new head of volunteer services, had to almost immediately send volunteers, ones he didn't get to know well, home. In part 2 of this interview, Wes chats about his experiences, including:Difficult conversationsThe hardest thing he's had to do as a volunteer manager. (and it's not what you might expect)Rounding on volunteers, building that relationshipDiversity and InclusionExample of intergenerational successThat "third place" where volunteers are free to bond with one anotherAfter the past two years, where is volunteerism headed?Technology-what can it do for us?Clear desk, clear mindWhat Wes would love to see "in a perfect world"What volunteer managers really wantWhy we need each otherAre our problems so different from one another's?Wes' bio:I was born and grew up in the panhandle of Florida, just north of some of the most beautiful beaches in world. My first job at local radio station found me while in high school. (Believe me, as a shy kid, radio was the last thing I expected to work in!). After 13 years, I transitioned into my first volunteer leadership position at a small hospital on Florida's gulf coast. It was there my love for this field truly took off. I moved into nonprofit multi-state event volunteerism for a short while before finding my current position with a large health system covering Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Here, I manage the volunteer programs for four hospitals, including the system's flagship medical center and only children's hospital. The job didn't start out the way I planned, with the COVID-19 pandemic beginning shortly after. Nevertheless, it has been an experience full of possibilities and new and exciting challenges to overcome. I like to consider myself a "helper to the helpers," serving those who give so selflessly of their time and energy to move our mission forward. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for volunteerism, not just in my small corner of the world, but for all of us who are fortunate enough to call this field home. If you have any questions or would just like to connect, my email is rwesrichardson@gmail.com.

It's officially fall which means most will find ways to think of others this season. This week, Tina Baggott, associate vice president for Volunteer Services & Community Engagement, and Kristie Johnson, our new community engagement manager, get us thinking about all the opportunities we can take part in this season. Days of Service, the university's biggest community service initiative will be here in November and you don't want to wait to register.

In this episode, host Mary Crowe welcomes on Director of Volunteer Services and Complementary Therapies Sheryl Meehan. She's also joined by Care Dimensions Volunteer Paul Williams, who talks about his experience as a hospice volunteer. Learn more about becoming a volunteer: CareDimensions.org/Volunteers

Wes began his new job as manager of volunteer services in December 2019 and as the new head of volunteer services, had to almost immediately send volunteers, ones he didn't get to know well, home. In part 1 of this interview, Wes chats about his experiences, including:That initial shock.The suspension and not knowing what would ultimately happen.How do you introduce yourself and say, "Hi, BTW, stay home."Nurturing the personalities you've not gotten to know yet.Am I the bad guy?Involve the volunteers in everything you can, like training.Make volunteers feel like they're still here.How a former career may have helped-what skills transferred over.A forced rebuild.New protocols.Eliminate roles or find adjacent roles.Change management.Volunteers "aging out."The challenging conversations-sandwich anyone?Wes' bio:I was born and grew up in the panhandle of Florida, just north of some of the most beautiful beaches in world. My first job at local radio station found me while in high school. (Believe me, as a shy kid, radio was the last thing I expected to work in!). After 13 years, I transitioned into my first volunteer leadership position at a small hospital on Florida's gulf coast. It was there my love for this field truly took off. I moved into nonprofit multi-state event volunteerism for a short while before finding my current position with a large health system covering Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Here, I manage the volunteer programs for four hospitals, including the system's flagship medical center and only children's hospital. The job didn't start out the way I planned, with the COVID-19 pandemic beginning shortly after. Nevertheless, it has been an experience full of possibilities and new and exciting challenges to overcome. I like to consider myself a "helper to the helpers," serving those who give so selflessly of their time and energy to move our mission forward. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for volunteerism, not just in my small corner of the world, but for all of us who are fortunate enough to call this field home. If you have any questions or would just like to connect, my email is rwesrichardson@gmail.com.

On this Week's Episode, Cole and Emmalee Speak with Chelsie Scearce, Volunteer Services Manager with Hospice of Davidson County. Chelsie comes on and discusses the importance of volunteers to the hospice mission and organization. If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer please visit: https://www.hospiceofdavidson.org/volunteer/ or call (336) 475-5444. 

Today we have Camille Walker, the Director of Volunteer Services, and current TCA parent Shawnnah Parrill the incoming PTF president, on the podcast. We are talking all about getting involved at TCA and the role of PTF in our community.    Camille Walker is a TCA alum, a long-time TCA parent, and serves as the Volunteer and Campus Events Director. The philosophy with our parent community has been to make volunteer opportunities available to all TCA moms and dads and to encourage parent connection through volunteering and attendance at campus events such as athletics events such as Friday night football games, mother's luncheons, and even fine art events such as concerts and art shows.    The only mandatory volunteering is for sophomores and their parents. The TCA concessions stands are a fundraiser for the sophomore class and are run by volunteers. Sophomores are required to volunteer 8 hours, and both parents are asked to volunteer for 8 hours.   PTF is TCA's PTA and is called Parent Teacher Fellowship. Every TCA parent, moms and dads, is a member – there are no dues. The PTF serves our parent community and encourages and supports our teachers at TCA.     Shawnnah Parrill is the incoming PTF President. PTF runs many programs at TCA. Next year, as president, she will help coordinate the MPACT Program and Mini School Night receptions.  Noel Pierce will be the Vice President and oversee room moms and hospitality coordinators. Emily Eubanks will be the secretary and will coordinate the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon, known as  FASAL, one of the most loved events, the student Big Game Day event in February, and teacher appreciation throughout the year..  Wendi Byerly will be new on the board and will serve as treasurer. She will be in charge of Uniform Resale.    Here are a few of the programs that fall under PTF:   Room moms: The Room Mother Program is a volunteer opportunity that benefits teachers, students, and the entire school. Each year, over 100 room mothers coordinate mission projects, class parties, luncheons, recognizing teacher birthdays, and many other activities.   MPACT Prayer Ministry: MPACT stands for Moms Praying and Coming together – MPACT volunteer coordinators oversee the grade-level coordinators and plan prayer events throughout the school year. There is school-wide MPACT event on the first day of school each year.    PTF oversees the Mini School Night Receptions and Teacher Appreciation events throughout the year, including the faculty and staff appreciation luncheon in November.    PTF oversees the Hospitality Program that welcomes our new families to the TCA community. We have two Hospitality Chairs, one chair for Lower School and one for middle and upper school. These hospitality chairs coordinate events for new families and students to meet others, get plugged in through the spring and summer, and remain in place as a resource for new families through their first year at TCA.    TCA Uniform Resale is sponsored by PTF and sold through Big Blue – our school store. The money raised from Uniform Resale funds the many excellent PTF programs.   We also have Rebate Programs that create an easy partnership between TCA, Tom Thumb, and Kroger. You can find info on how to sign up on our resource board.  Camille has been both a working mom and a stay-at-home mom and knows that working parents still want to be involved around their work schedules. Many of our volunteer opportunities are structured for the mom or dad that are working but wants to volunteer and be involved.    Volunteer opportunities, PTF information, and MPACT dates and times can be found on the TCA website. TCA parents can access these by logging into the TCA website and clicking Resources.  www.trinitychristian.org Volunteer Now Resource Board PTF Resource Board MPACT Rescource Board  The Volunteer Office will be moving to the 6th-grade hallway beginning in August. Stop by and visit Camille and her staff anytime!

Volunteers are a vital part of the CIA and play a key role in supporting the activities of the profession. This year, National Volunteer Week runs from April 24 to 30 and, in this episode, Sue Alcott, Manager, Volunteer Services, People and Culture at the CIA, joins us to discuss what the Institute has planned to recognize the contributions of CIA volunteers.

Did you know that our Volunteer Program has several diverse opportunities through which volunteers can dedicate their time? Join us in conversation with Heather Boyle, our Director of Volunteer Services, as she shares details about the various facets of care within our program. She describes each discipline in detail, additional trainings built into the program, and how our program's flexibility supports volunteer retention and growth.

Kelly Furnas of Operation Kindness shares her professional journey from Director of Volunteer Services to Chief Operating Officer in less than two years and the leadership mindset and actions that made this path possible. Founded in 1976, Operation Kindness is a pioneer in North Texas for providing assistance to animals in need of medical care, companionship, and a home. In addition to pet adoptions, they provide extensive medical care for animals, a foster program, a pet food pantry, a surrender prevention program, education to pet parents and volunteer opportunities. And, the pandemic has not slowed them down. They have engaged over 11,000 volunteers since the start and regularly have about 1,600-1,800 volunteers active. Kelly was initially hired as the director of Volunteer Services in October 2019.  But she was quickly promoted to Director of Operations in January 2021, and then Chief Operating Officer in July 2021.  It's been a whirlwind ride, but Kelly is well grounded in what it takes to succeed as a leader. In this episode, she shares how her organization has maintained close connections with volunteers during COVID through a smart communications strategy.  She also shares advice for volunteer managers who want to advance their careers and offers practical tips on how to frame the volunteer work so it gets noticed and how to effectively ask for resources and support. For more information, visit https://www.operationkindness.org/. For More: For more info on developing your leadership skills, check out Season 2 of the Time + Talent podcast, Episode 206: Strengthening the Impact of Young Professional Volunteers. Guest Bio: Kelly FurnasChief Operating OfficerOperation Kindness Kelly Furnas became Chief Operating Officer of Operation Kindness in July 2021, following her roles as Director of Operations and Volunteer Services in recent years. She has been involved with OPK since 2015. As COO, her goals include helping Operation Kindness have the largest impact on life saving in North Texas, enhancing her team's skills, and finding process improvements that allow them to save more lives.  Previously, she worked in various senior leadership and operation roles in the financial services industry before finding her dream job with Operation Kindness. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Texas A&M University.  At home, Kelly loves spending time with her cat, Smokey (an Operation Kindness alumni),and her dog Quinn. As an A&M grad, you will find her rooting for her Aggies during every game. She also loves to cook and even acted as a judge in a local cooking competition! You can find Kelly atkelly@operationkindness.org and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-furnas/.

This week, Clint speaks with the manager of the Auxiliary, Gift Shop, and Volunteer Services. If you would like to learn more on how to become a volunteer, go to https://www.gshvin.org/about-us/volunteers/ Clint also speaks with the Manager of Pre-cert and Scheduling Department, Sarah Copp, about everything you need to know about health insurance going into the new year! Price Estimator: https://www.gshvin.org/for-our-patients-visitors/price-estimator/ Central Registration: 812-885-8457 or 812-885-3495

This podcast is about big ideas on how technology is making life better for people with vision loss. Today's big idea is: How will remote diagnostic tests change ophthalmology and vision care? It might be a foreign concept for some, but the specialists in today's episode, Dr. Peter Pham and Dr. Sean Ianchulev, founders of (Keep Your Sight, a nonprofit focused on remote diagnostic vision tests) share how they can conduct more reliable perimetry tests that help detect macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other conditions that lead to vision loss and eventually blindness —  remotely, while patients stay home. Developments like these in remote diagnostics are a stepping stone for the ways machine learning will impact the field of ophthalmology in the future. This episode also features Dr. Einar Stefansson and Dr. Arna Gudmundsdottir, developers of the app, Retina Risk, which helps with remote risk assessment of diabetic eye disease for people with diabetes, as well as Sherrill Jones, who lost her vision due to glaucoma.   The Big Takeaways: Retina Risk was created to help people with diabetes assess in real-time their individualized risk for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. The app was created back in 2009 and the concept of using technology and algorithms to calculate risk was still quite foreign to most people. What goes into taking a regular perimetry test today? Patients have to come into the office, wait, register, wait some more, get taken to a dark room to be positioned correctly, and after 20-30 minutes, you get a result. Now, there's an easier way: patients can take these tests at home. Why is telescreening so important? Dr. Pham and Dr. Ianchulev noticed it could take months for patients to be scheduled in for routine visual field tests. By that time, the glaucoma may have advanced, and in some cases, rapidly. There was an unmet need here and there was a better way to serve people quicker and more efficiently, especially people from rural communities who did not have readily available access to healthcare. Medicare did not allow for doctors to reimburse their services unless it was conducted within the physician's office. This led to a lot of roadblocks in telemedicine, despite the technology being available for the last 15-plus years. Thankfully, in December of 2020, policies were changed so that doctors would be reimbursed for remote patient monitoring.   Tweetables: “We know that our blindspot is 15 degrees away from fixation and, with simple trigonometry, you can now use that blindspot to help position patients correctly in front of the computer monitor. We can now use online technology to perform visual field tests.” — Dr. Peter Pham “It was our goal to do a hardware-free digital/virtual device. We felt in ophthalmology, we're kind of lucky. We are looking at a visual function. So perimetry lends itself to a fully virtual software as a service device.” — Dr. Sean Ianchulev “I think technology will help us get to the next level. Technology has been around for this, but it hasn't been applied for this.” — Dr. Sean Ianchulev   Contact Us: Contact us at podcasts@lighthouseguild.org with your innovative new technology ideas for people with vision loss.   Pertinent Links: Lighthouse Guild Retina Risk Keep Your Sight.org   Guest Bios: Dr. Peter Pham & Dr. Sean Ianchulev are both the Co-Founders of Keep Your Sight. Dr. Pham is a boarded certified ophthalmologist who has devoted his professional life to restoring sight and helping patients keep their vision. As a surgeon and clinician, Dr. Pham treats conditions such as glaucoma, cataract, and macular degeneration, all of which can cause blindness. As a researcher, he worked on the development of a novel delivery system for introducing large-sized molecular compounds into thousands of living cells simultaneously. Realizing the importance of technology and innovation for screening and prevention, Dr. Pham teamed up with Dr. Ianchulev to develop the KYS telemedicine system for vision health. Dr. Ianchulev has been on the cutting edge of innovation, making an impact in the treatment of major eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. He was instrumental in the development of many new therapies and advances, such as Lucentis for AMD and Diabetic Retinopathy, intraoperative aberrometry for high-precision cataract surgery, micro-stent technology for glaucoma, the miLOOP interventional technology for cataract surgery, and others. Dr. Einar Stefansson & Dr. Arna Gudmundsdottir are both the Co-Founders of Retina Risk. Dr. Stefansson is a leader in the field of diabetic eye disease and diabetic screening and head supervisor for product development and clinical science. Dr. Stefansson graduated from the University of Iceland Medical School in 1978 with honors. He received a PhD degree in physiology from Duke University in 1981 followed by a residency at Duke. Dr. Gudmundsdottir takes an active role in all product development and clinical testing. Her expertise gives valuable insight into practical usage of products and medical approaches. Dr. Gudmundsdottir graduated from the University of Iceland Medical School in '92. She undertook a fellowship program in endocrinology at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Sherrill Jones lives in New York City and volunteers administrative services in Lighthouse Guild's Volunteer Services department.   Host Bio: Dr. Calvin W. Roberts Calvin W. Roberts, MD, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Lighthouse Guild, the leading organization dedicated to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. Dr. Roberts has a unique blend of academic, clinical, business, and hands-on product development experience. Dr. Roberts is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College. He was formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Eye Care, at Bausch Health Companies where he coordinated global development and research efforts across their vision care, pharmaceutical, and surgical business units. As a practicing ophthalmologist from 1982 to 2008, he performed more than 10,000 cataract surgeries as well as 5,000 refractive and other corneal surgeries. He is credited with developing surgical therapies, over-the-counter products for vision care, prescription ocular therapeutics, and innovative treatment regimens. He also holds patents on the wide-field specular microscope and has done extensive research on ophthalmic non-steroidals and postoperative cystoid macular edema. Dr. Roberts has co-founded a specialty pharmaceutical company and is a frequent industry lecturer and author. He currently serves as an Independent Director on multiple corporate boards and has served as a consultant to Allergan, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis. A graduate of Princeton University and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, Dr. Roberts completed his internship and ophthalmology residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in New York. He also completed cornea fellowships at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston.

In this episode, Deborah talks about the mental space she was in after having 5 kids under the age of 6. She shares how she struggled with postpartum depression and during this time, how things got really dark and she even contemplated living. Deborah was constantly filled with anger and rage. She talks about how scary it was to reach out for help for the fear of losing her children. To add to that fear, the help that was offered was not an approach that she wanted to try. She talks about how her experience living through and treating her mental illness motivated her to go to school at 37. She shares her vision of what community service looks like and how she is working to create a compassionate approach within her own endeavours.Deborah Gregson is the Executive Director and Founder of HeARTh Social Profit Company and the founder and CEO of DMG Do More Good Social Benefit Housing and Community Development Corporation. She is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is an artist, singer songwriter, renovator, mover and shaker, and a systems-oriented servant leader. Much of her art and music and her passion for community development comes from her healing journey from mental illness and the truths and insights she earned along the way. Deborah Gregson decided to get a counselling degree after battling with mental illness and through her own recovery she realized how difficult it is for human beings to move past illness when the systems they live and work in are not equipped to help them move into wellness. So, she changed her focus from one on one counseling to community development and systems transformation. She has worked in the field of community mental health and supports for a few years, trying to help build that community of care she knows is needed, and believes is possible.Find out more about Do More GoodDeborah's MusicFollow Candace on Instagram

Katrina brings over 20 years of human resources and business management experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, large and small businesses across a variety of industry sectors. Her passion is assisting business owners and executives by making available to small and mid-size businesses the integration of strategic HR management practices and process improvements which are customized to fit the size, goals, culture and nature of business operations which are unique to every organization. Katrina brings excellent knowledge of organizational development and human resources generalist experience with accomplishments in employee relations, leadership coaching, performance feedback, HRIS implementation and systems integration, recruitment and retention, compensation and benefit strategy, HR policy, regulatory compliance, and scalable strategic HR management practices and process improvements. Some of Katrina's work experience includes: Director of People & Culture at The Marine Mammal Center overseeing and revamping the entire HR department, processes and systems while facilitating organization-wide improvements in structure, communications and culture. Director of Human Resources for Nuprecon where she launched its first HR department and successfully positioned the organization for its future growth. Managed a team of multi-state HR business partners, employment specialists and support staff in providing creative, objective consultative services at Washington Mutual Bank. She currently serves as the Marin Regional Leader for HR.com/NCHRA and is the former President of the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management. At the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership she served as the interim Director of Volunteer Services and the Executive Search and Transition Services in addition to a plethora of philanthropic endeavors including numerous community and volunteer board leadership positions. Born in Central California and raised in Washington State, Katrina attended the University of Washington in Seattle studying Organizational Sociology and Human Resource Management. She earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources Management designation (SPHR) and is a trained Mediator. She moved to the Bay Area in 2003, initially in the East Bay and then to Marin County in 2012. She enjoys outdoor activities especially getting out on the water, exploring new places and enjoying life with her husband and three children.

We couldn't even get close to the amount of impact we have on the community without the work of our dedicated volunteers. We chat with Director of Community Engagement, Kristin Roth, about what it takes to be a PRCKC volunteer and how you can be a part of keeping pets and people together. Then we go through some year-end stats and break down the impact we've been able to have on the community. Show links: Woman Was Scared Of Neighbor's Pit Bull — Until He Saved Her Life Sometimes the Best Treatment is Empathy (this is the story Cierra mentions during Pet News) A French man has left money to 50 cats who live in Russia's Hermitage Museum Click on through to volunteer with us! Help us keep pets and people together!