Wartburg Recognizes Over 400 Volunteers for Nearly 39,000 Hours of Service

Over 110 people gathered at Juliano’s in New Rochelle to celebrate all of Wartburg’s volunteers who dedicated nearly 39,000 hours throughout 2019. In partnerships with schools, service organizations, individuals and corporations, Wartburg’s volunteers taught art classes, visited residents, provided spiritual care, and played games or pampered our residents with spa days—just to name a few.

“This event is a small token of how much you really mean to us,” said Dr. David J. Gentner, Wartburg President & CEO, as he welcomed everyone. “This organization was founded by volunteers, our Board of Directors and your dedication to service will always be appreciated. As President of Wartburg, I am proud to serve you.”

The Youth Shelter Program of Westchester was presented with the Community Service Award for the nearly 2,700 hours volunteered in Wartburg’s Adult Day Care Center and around campus. The Claudia Brigman Volunteer of the Year Award, in memory of Claudia who spent countless hours donating her time to all those in need, was presented for the first time to Neil Burke. Neil dedicates his free time to comforting our residents, providing spiritual care and helping where needed.

The United States is expected to see a significant decline in the number of qualified nursing and specialized health technicians. To address this, Wartburg offers hands-on training to the next generation of clinicians through partnerships with academic institutions such as Montefiore and Concordia College. In 2019, 155 nursing students spent over 13,500 hours learning from their highly-trained staff.

“We are honored that our Wartburg Family includes a cadre of wonderful volunteers who give their time and talent to bringing smiles to our residents and patients through a host of fun and stimulating programs,” said Angela Ciminello, Vice President of Development & Marketing. “We cannot thank them enough for their selfless efforts.”

Through their award-winning, internationally recognized Council for Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning initiative, Wartburg offered its residents, Adult Day Care registrants and rehabilitation patients nearly 1,000 classes this year in music, art and dance movement therapy.

A cornerstone of Wartburg’s mission is its commitment to being a welcoming community offering ecumenical services for people of all faiths. Built on an unwavering belief in caring for the whole person, Wartburg offers Spiritual Care Visitor Training, enabling volunteers to provide basic pastoral care skills including faith sharing, discernment, communication, clinical visits, aging and illness issues, interactive exercises and grief counseling. Over 30 graduates spent over 2,300 hours this year bringing peace and spiritual care to their residents. In addition, Wartburg’s Worship on Wheels volunteers donated 576 hours to transport nursing home residents to their historic chapel for Sunday services.

Nearly 900 hours were spent managing the nursing home gift shop, 200 hours were given by Sarah Lawrence College students to work with nursing home residents to learn and use a tablet, Westhab participants spent 360 hours through their job training program learning new skills and The Links, Inc. Westchester (NY) Chapter offered a clay program once a month to residents, including those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Dr. David Gentner ended the event by recognizing Ann Frey, Director of Volunteers, for her years of service as she prepared for retirement at the end of November.

“My years at Wartburg have been very rewarding. I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people who have volunteered with us and our great staff who have been mentors to the many interns who have come to us,” said Ann.

For information on Wartburg’s volunteer program, visit their website at Wartburg.org or call Karen Thomas at 914-513-5308 or kthomas@wartburg.org.

Wartburg

Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services. Unlike conventional retirement communities, Wartburg provides a wide range of services to both residents living on their beautiful 34-acre campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, their continuing care approach has earned them a trusted reputation in Westchester. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage with an array of options to find the level of care that considers the whole family. Wartburg was named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by U.S. News & World Report for the ninth consecutive year in 2019.