National Volunteer Week is April 7-13, 2019. To honor their volunteers, Bluestem Communities recently hosted volunteer appreciation luncheons at Water’s Edge. In 2018, Bluestem volunteers put in over 22,400 hours of service.
“Our volunteers display such heart and passion for the mission of Bluestem Communities. We want to honor them for their selfless dedication to serving our residents and communities,” said Rachel Bucklin, Bluestem’s community outreach coordinator.
At the Kidron Bethel Village luncheon, awards were presented to volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication to the core values of Bluestem Communities. LaVera Schragwas given the Compassion Award for her longtime service in variety of areas, including music and special events. The Innovation Award was presented to Bill Tumbleson, who has provided woodworking assistance and maintained the equipment in the campus woodshop. The spiritual life volunteers were chosen to receive the Teamwork Award. The team has supported spiritual life at Kidron Bethel Village in many ways including facilitating support groups, Bible studies, special music and visitation. Members include Willy Penner, Lela Mae Sawatzky, Pat Friesen, Dottie Janzen, Donna Friesen, Florence Schloneger, Helen Ruth Unruh, Nancy Hilty, Fred Schroeder, and Wanda Harms.
Awards were also presented to several Schowalter Villa volunteers. The Innovation Award was given to Judy Eilert. She facilitates dominoes multiple times a week, personally getting to know each resident who participates. Lance Diener was presented with the Compassion Award. As a volunteer, Lance pays close attention to detail and goes out of his way to make residents and staff members feel special. The Teamwork Award was given to the Main Street Gifts volunteers. The large group oversees merchandising, schedule coordination and working as a store clerk. Roni Caffrey and Sharon Brenneman accepted the award on behalf of the team.
The public is invited to share their time and talent with residents of Bluestem Communities. For more information on volunteering, contact community outreach coordinator Rachel Bucklin, 620-327-3497, rachelb@bluestemks.org.
