Concordia Volunteers Make a Difference Every Day | Slideshow

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one out of every four people (nearly 63 million) in the United States volunteers with an organization each year. Although this number may seem like a lot, the Corporation for National and Community services has pointed out that this number has been in decline since 2012. This is bad news for the thousands of non-profit organizations across the country that rely on the selflessness and generosity of volunteers who help day-to-day. (Read More for photo slideshow)

At Concordia, our volunteers are loving and generous people who support our residents, patients and families. Here, volunteering could mean cooking a meal, holding a hand, creating admissions packets, helping with activities or offering to do one of the many jobs that are needed regularly – each act of kindness counts.

As a nonprofit organization with over 135 years of history, volunteers have always been an important part of fulfilling our mission of serving others.

An Outstanding Volunteer

As the month of April comes to an end, it marks a time to celebrate volunteers past and present for all of their incredible work. Throughout the month, we have featured volunteers at several of our locations who have made a unique difference in the lives of others. However, the final volunteer featured this month not only embodies what it means to be selfless, but has served residents at Concordia of Wexford with kindness, compassion and joy for nearly 11 years.

Bill Hartman, also known to Concordia of Wexford residents as “Bingo Bill,” is famous for shouting out his melodious “bingo” call during games. Bill volunteers every Thursday – helping with games and encouraging residents.

Born with Down Syndrome, Bill has been actively involved in his community for some time now. In the past, he has been a participant in the Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge. Now sharing his accomplishments with the residents and staff he has worked with for over 10 years, his kind and outgoing personality brings a smile to the face of every resident he meets.

Each year, as part of the annual volunteer luncheon held at several of our locations to honor Concordia’s many volunteers, the Horst and Eleanor Schwalm “Faith in Caring Award” is presented to an individual who embodies Concordia’s mission of caring and service. Bill was the recipient of this year’s award, presented on April 9, 2019 at Concordia at Cabot. The award carries a $2,000 stipend – $1,000 to benefit Concordia of Wexford’s Activity Department and $1,000 to benefit all of Concordia’s volunteer programs to honor Bill as an outstanding volunteer.

To all of our amazing volunteers – thank you for all you do. Below is a slideshow of photos from various Volunteer Appreciation events throughought Concordia (click the thumbnail to enlarge). If you have a unique volunteer story, feel free to share it in the comments below.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at one of our senior care locations in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio or Tampa, Florida, visit our Locations Map or call our administrative headquarters at 724-352-1571.

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