Four MHP Volunteers Receive Governor’s Volunteer Award
Four Mahaska Health Partnership volunteers received 2016 Governor’s Volunteer Awards during a special recognition ceremony in June at Indian Hills Community College. Award recipients pictured, from left: Volunteers Judy Lewis, Stephanie Cornelder, Judy Allard and Kenneth Ward, along with MHP Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt.
MAHASKA COUNTY –Oskaloosa residents, Judy Lewis, Stephanie Cornelder, Judy Allard, and Kenneth Ward received the 2016 Iowa Governor’s Award in June for their selfless contributions to Mahaska Health Partnership.
According to MHP Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt, criteria for selection included exceptional commitment to volunteerism, exemplary leadership, creativity, cooperation and work in their service to others. The program provides Iowa nonprofit, charitable and government organizations a way to honor their cherished volunteers with prestigious, state-level recognition.
“Mahaska Health Partnership is incredibly lucky to have so many great volunteers,” Langfitt said. “I always know I can count on them to make healthcare personal for everyone they come in contact with at MHP. Their passion and generosity is such a huge benefit to staff and visitors alike.”
Judy Lewis started volunteering in 2010 in the hospital gift shop after retiring from teaching in Oskaloosa. In August 2013, she became a member of the Gift Shop Committee. “Judy is always willing to come in and help put merchandise into the system for Whispering Tree Gifts,” Langfitt said. “Her hard work in choosing items to sell in the shop is much appreciated. Judy is a true giver; not only volunteering at MHP, but also at the Ecumenical Cupboard and her church. She is a great example of a selfless community member willing to give back in whatever way she can.”
Stephanie joined MHP as a volunteer in 2013 as a Surgery Liason when the new patient care wing opened. “Stephanie has been an exceptional role model to volunteers on campus for three years now,” Langfitt shared. “When a surgery is running late, Stephanie will stay so family members have someone to talk to and get updates from. In February of this year, she also began volunteering in the Cancer Care and Infusion Center, making sure family members have all they need and distributing warm blankets to patients who are having treatments. She has a great sense of humor and is a pleasure to work with.”
Judy Allard started volunteering in 2011 after retiring from Food and Nutrition Services at MHP. “Judy has been a very active volunteer working as a greeter at one of our main entrances,” Langfitt explained. “She is very attentive and keeps things running smoothly. Her dedication to our mission and the visitors who come to MHP shows in her volunteer work. Judy proudly represents Mahaska Health Partnership wherever she goes and we are grateful to have such a wonderful volunteer.”
Kenneth Ward also began his volunteer career at MHP as a greeter when the new addition opened. “Kenneth plays an instrumental role in making sure patients and visitors get to their proper destinations,” Langfitt said. “He volunteers two days a week and is a very dependable person. Kenneth is friendly and always takes the time to make sure patients are greeted as soon as they come in. On days when he is not at MHP, Kenneth visits local nursing homes and spends time with residents. We are proud to have him at MHP.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Mahaska Health Partnership, call Langfitt at 641.672.3342 or visit mahaskahealth.org and click “Become a Volunteer” under the “Careers” tab.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
