Volunteer Spotlight – Karen Hoffman

Sisters of Providence volunteer and SMWC student, Karen Hoffman, answers four questions about why she volunteers.

What made you decide to volunteer with Providence Health Care?

I enjoy helping people, particularly at nursing homes. Whenever I visited my grandma and great-aunt Bernie at the Saint Anne Nursing Home, I saw lots of lonely individuals so I volunteered there to help them out.

Karen visits with Sister Jane Bodine

What are some of the things you have done as a volunteer?

I have volunteered since high school. I participated in Project Linus, made tie-blankets for Riley Children’s Hospital; Key Club, volunteered throughout Fort Wayne; Biotechnology team, taught children about science; and volunteered at Saint Anne’s Nursing Home. As a volunteer at Providence Health Care, I have played ball toss and bingo with the residents.

Sister Rose Marita Riordin, in February, gets help from Karen in the kitchen

What is the best part about volunteering?

I really enjoy volunteering because I like helping people and want to give back to the community.

Sister Charles Ellen Turk and Karen making colorful scarves

What would you tell people who are thinking about volunteering?

I would strongly encourage others to volunteer. It is such a rewarding experience – your payment is the smile on the lonely person’s face. The smallest effort can help ease someone’s burden when they are being crushed by the pains of life.

Karen is rewarded with a smile from Sister Jane

If you are interested in volunteering contact Sister Rebecca Keller at 812-535-2878 or rkeller@spsmw.org.