Drake Center: Specialized Medical & Rehabilitative Care
Volunteers & The Drake Auxiliary
Volunteers — Special People Helping Special Patients
Volunteers add to the quality of health care at Drake Center by helping patients, families, staff, and visitors. Through their generosity, volunteers provide many extra services that supplement the essential functions of the professional staff and add to the comfort, care, and happiness of our patients.
Volunteers are a special group of people who offer their valuable time and services — free of charge — to help others less fortunate. Ask our volunteers, and they will tell you that every patient gives something to them in return for the friendship they receive. As a Drake Center volunteer, you will become a key member of our quality health care team and derive an immense feeling of accomplishment and personal satisfaction.
Visiting with patients
While families and friends may do their best to visit Drake Center patients, distance and other obligations often make it impossible for them to see their loved ones as frequently as they would like. For some patients, emotional needs may be even greater than physical ones. A volunteer’s happy face, friendly smile, willing pair of hands, and understanding heart can mean a great deal. Many volunteers enjoy visiting with patients and sharing their time and experiences with them. We call these volunteers Patient Visitors.
Other helping opportunities
Volunteers assist in a variety of different areas throughout our facility. In addition to visiting with patients, volunteers help with special events such as bingos, carnivals, picnics, outings, trips to the ballpark or zoo, and other patient programs. Another important group of volunteers works at home, sewing and crafting useful items such as robes, laundry bags, and wheelchair and appliance bags. We even have a Junior Volunteer Program for teenagers 14-18 years of age.
All volunteer hours and assignments are scheduled in advance. To aid in the planning and scheduling of our volunteer team, we request that you work in a specific area at least two hours per week on a day of your choice. You will be assigned to a supervisor who will provide you with help and direction. Because of our dependence on volunteers, we do rely on you to be present on the days and time periods that you have pledged service — you must be dependable and punctual.
Beyond traditional work assignments you might expect to carry out as a Drake Center volunteer, there are a variety of special activities you may enjoy, including:
- Escorting patients to special events and religious services
- Assisting patients on outings and excursions
- Working in the gift shop
- Serving as a patient representative
- Working in aquatic therapy
- Assisting in the computer center
Join us — your time means so much
There is no shortage of opportunities to improve the lives of our patients, so whatever time you are able to contribute is greatly appreciated. For more information on volunteering, please call us at 513-418-2521.
Print out application for Adult Volunteer Program
Print out application for Junior Volunteer Program
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