By Janice Heft, Manager of Volunteer Services

It’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week, time to celebrate and thank our volunteers for the support they provide to our clients and to the staff at Ometz. Without their assistance we could not accomplish all that we do. But of course, this appreciation begins from the moment a dedicated volunteer walks in through the door, and it lasts throughout the lifetime of the person he or she helps.

We are a lucky group in our Volunteer Department. Every day we meet people who come to give us their precious time and share their generous spirits. These warm hearted, caring and sharing angels share their lives with an individual. What we ask of our volunteers is low profile with little to no publicity. There are no public rewards during or at the end of service. So, what does the volunteer receive? The knowledge that the time he or she has spent with a person, as a tutor, a mentor or Health Advocate, has enhanced that person’s life with an impact that will stay with the beneficiary forever. A child will graduate high school and go on to college, or gain confidence as a result of the friendship of a mentor who spends quality time with him or her every week.

Our volunteers may be fundraisers, Board Members, Dentists, Accountants or Lawyers. In any profession, program or area of service, our work is enhanced by the dedication of almost 400 individuals who support us. Each and every one deserves a huge round of applause and our everlasting appreciation.