Sunnyview - Volunteer Services


Volunteer Services
		Sunnyview's volunteers are extraordinary people because they give their most precious gift; their time. In fact, in 2000, Sunnyview volunteers worked 30,290 hours - the equivalent of almost 14 full-time staff members!
Sunnyview welcomes volunteers and the many contributions they offer. Volunteering begins at age 14 through Sunnyview's Junior Volunteer Program. After the age of 18, juniors can progress into the regular adult volunteering program. No one profile fits Sunnyview volunteers. For example, one volunteer may be a 16-year-old African American girl, while another may be a 75-year-old man who retired from a career in engineering. Some volunteers come from area school districts, while some haven't been to "school" in decades. What inspires our volunteers, however, is their dedication to Sunnyview and their belief that Sunnyview makes a difference in the lives of the patients we treat. Our volunteers know that Sunnyview enriches lives through greater independence, and the integral role that volunteers play in making this mission a reality. "I began volunteering here in October 1997. I serve as Joan Laviolette's secretary in the Volunteer Office. I also cover the phones on the front desk during lunch and coffee breaks. The staff is very friendly here and make me feel like I'm part of the team. I do not work directly with patients, but it is gratifying to me when I see patients leave. " - Judy Wagner, Niskayuna, NY "I work with the Patient Request System (PRS). In the morning, I help deliver newspapers and mail to patients, help them fill out their menus, and assist cardiac patients when they need help. We can also do shopping for patients 'within reason.' Sometimes we will bring patients to the Ellis gift shop or to our own gift shop so that they can purchase what they need. Several years ago a patient insisted that we find him three pink grapefruit, and they had to be three for a dollar! I credit Norma Westcott with bringing me here. She started the PRS program, and she got me down here. We started out slowly, but we have grown in leaps and bounds!" - Marilyn Wilson, Niskayuna, NY
"I really like coming here. We meet all kinds of interesting people and do different things. I have been volunteering here for about three years. I like meeting the patients. " - Parker Daley (Junior Volunteer), Averill Park, NY "I have been a volunteer here for about three years. I like meeting new people, and it helps me to think about what I want to be when I'm older. I'm actually thinking about medical school in the future. I like delivering mail and flowers and cards to the patients. " - Kristie Laviolette (Junior Volunteer), Troy, NY "This is my fourth year of being a junior volunteer at Sunnyview. At first, I came because I needed service hours for school. Now I come back because I like it. I like the people and the jobs I get to do here. I want to become a teacher for younger students, and getting to know a variety of people will help me in my future career. " - Melissa Hotaling (Junior Volunteer), Schenectady, NY
"I like to volunteer because I like to help people in need. I enjoy making people laugh and meeting new people." - Mike Greene (Junior Volunteer), Burnt Hills, NY
	Here's a sample of what Sunnyview's volunteers do: Staff the Shepherd Gift Shop Answer telephones and assist Sunnyview's receptionist Escort patients to and from therapy Help with recreational events for the patients Deliver the mail and help assemble outgoing mailings Perform routine clerical duties Become involved with Sunnyview's annual art event Deliver mail and flowers to patients Participate in Sunnyview's Patient Request Service, fulfilling individual patient needs Baby-sit for Sunnyview's patients Work directly with patients on nursing units And much more! Basically, the sky's the limit! If you have talents or skills that may be useful to Sunnyview, contact Joan Laviolette at 518-386-3631.
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