Bon Secours hosts volunteer recognition luncheon

WARWICK -— Catelina Roza didn’t write a check, but the value of her contribution to St. Anthony Community Hospital could easily exceed $172,000. Roza has accumulated 18,693 hours working as a volunteer for the hospital’s gift shop and volunteer transport service. She is one of the many men, women and teens - ranging in age from high school students to senior citizens - who donate their time and energy working in almost every area of the hospital. On Thursday, April 27, during the celebration of National Volunteer Week, the administration, board of directors, and staff of the Bon Secours Warwick Campus hosted a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in the Greenbriar Room of Mount Alverno Center. “This luncheon,” said Yvonne Capone, human resource manager and assistant director of volunteer services, “gives us an opportunity to show you how much we appreciate your dedication and commitment to the Warwick Campus facilities.” Capone reported that a total of 15,102 hours were volunteered in 2005. During the luncheon, she announced the names of those who had reached significant milestones last year in the total number of volunteer hours performed. Another volunteer was Warwick resident Patrick Colman, who received an award for passing the 2000 hour mark. “Many years ago,” he said, “I had a life threatening experience. I was living in Newark, N.J., and one night a man tried to rob me, and then he shot me. I was rushed to the hospital, and wonderful people of all different races and ethnic backgrounds were there to help me. I’m a Catholic, but even a rabbi and a minister gave up their summer evening to come by and pray for me. I was so blessed. It restored my faith in humanity. Volunteering at St. Anthony Community Hospital is my way of saying, ‘Thank you.’” Seated near Colman was another volunteer, Mirium Muse, who performs Pastoral Care services at Schervier Pavilion. “I come from a family of volunteers,” she said, “and I was brought up believing that God’s plan is that we help one another. I carry an inspirational card with me that reads, ‘I shall pass this way but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.’” The most important quality for a volunteer, explained Capone, is a real desire to serve the hospital, patients and the community. A dedicated and responsible approach to service, she added, is more important than prior experience or special skills. Volunteers are given an opportunity to help others as they share their time and talents and gain new skills. “Our volunteers,” said Leah Cerkvenik, executive vice president and administrator of St. Anthony Community Hospital, “are cherished members of our hospital family.” The Bon Secours Warwick Campus includes St. Anthony Community Hospital, Schervier Pavilion Health Care Facility, Mount Alverno Center Adult Home and Assisted Living program, and Day-At-A-Time Adult Day Health Care. For information on volunteering, visit www.StAnthonyCommunityHospital.org.