Volunteers come to First Care Medical Services to make people smile, and when they leave, they take that smile with them. Volunteers enrich the lives of the patients, residents and staff by sharing their caring hearts and talents with others.
Friends of First Care
The dream for an organization called Friends of First Care has been launched. The Volunteer organization is affiliated with Health Care Auxiliary of Minnesota (HCAM) who has more than 13,000 members in 91 facilities. The state organization's mission is serving those who serve. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Michelle Marx at 218-435-7629.
Hospital Volunteers
The Hospital is a great place to share your talents and lift patients' spirits.
- Providing Surgical Hospitality
- Reading to patients
- Spending time with a sick child
- Delivering mail and meals
- Assembling education packets
- Sewing layettes and pajamas
- Assisting at Erskine Clinic
Long Term Care and Assisted Living Volunteers
Volunteers are needed for:
- Assisting with bingo
- Writing letters and reading to residents
- Sharing a craft, talent, story, or pictures from a vacation or trip
- Assisting with trips and outings
- Bringing children or pets in for a visit
- Gardening in the courtyard
- Escorting patients in wheelchairs.
Who do I contact to Volunteer for the Long Term Care/Assisted Living and Hospital?
Call Michelle Marx at 218-435-7629.
Hospice Volunteers
Hospice Volunteers help with patient care, respite care, bereavement visits, errands for family, and assistance with simple tasks that seem "too much" for the family. Above all, the volunteer becomes the support the family can count on to:
- Be there
- Listen
- Understand
Volunteers are also needed to assist in community education, fundraising or office work.
What training is required?
Volunteers complete ten hours of training with the Hospice Patient Care Team.
Who do I contact?
Call the Hospice office nearest you for an application or e-mail us.
Fosston: (218) 435-1133
Fertile: (218) 945-6152
Why Volunteer?
Eva Carlson and her husband Jerry moved permanently from Grand Forks to their Island Lake home a year ago. Eva was a nurse for 43 years and witnessed the good that volunteers bring to patients as well as staff.
“I had read about the expanding volunteer opportunities at First Care, and because I had been in the hospital setting for so many years, I witnessed the personal kindness volunteers showed and the comfort they often brought to patients and their families. I feel comfortable in the hospital setting, and I know what a need there is for volunteers when people are ill. I enjoy helping people. I wanted to join First Care in Fosston and make a difference in medicine from a different angle than nursing. I thought it would be a good way to meet the people in the community while at the same time lending a helping hand. I love it. I look forward to it. I have been coming about once a month, but I could come more often if needed. The people waiting for family in the surgical waiting room seem to like to visit while they wait. I don’t know if it just helps pass the time, or if it takes their mind in another direction so they don’t worry, or maybe it’s a combination of both. They seem to appreciate having someone there to answer their questions or help them if needed. While I’m volunteering I am willing to do whatever job First Care employees need done, even if it is just stuffing envelopes, because I know I am saving time for someone else,” said Eva. “The only drawback for me is the drive in on cold or snowy days. I know, however, if the roads are bad I can call, and Linda will find a substitute for me who is closer. It’s reassuring to know I am not bound to the request if it doesn’t work out.”
Aldora Anderson from Fosston read about Linda’s new job as volunteer coordinator in the newspaper, and she approached Linda in a local store to express her desire to help.
“I had been thinking I would like to volunteer someplace to help out, I read in the newspaper about Linda’s new job at First Care. When I saw her downtown I asked about the new job and if I could help. I like to get out with people, and this gives me a very good opportunity to see and socialize with people, while at the same time doing something positive for our community. I am starting with one day a week, but I could certainly do more if I am needed. I enjoy it. Winter is a season when it is too easy to stay home, and we get stuck in the house far too long,” she said. “Sometimes, the volunteering opportunity does as much good for the volunteer as it does for those you are trying to help!”
Contact Information
Michelle Marx
Phone: (218) 435-7629
Danielle Paradis
Phone: (218) 435-7682
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