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Connecting with the Community through Volunteering

April 5, 2023
Connecting with the Community through Volunteering

Riverside Senior Life resident Ben Deck spends some of his free time volunteering at Riverside Medical Center. Many people who walk through the doors at the Riverside Pavilion have come to recognize Ben’s smiling face as he welcomes you to Riverside.

Ben recently celebrated his 97th birthday and many people stopped by to help him celebrate as he worked the welcome desk.

Ben getting off the bus
Ben with volunteers

Our communities in both Kankakee and Bourbonnais are committed to help you achieve your goals of giving back through volunteering. For volunteers like Ben, we work with you to make sure you get where you need to go. When Ben has a volunteer shift scheduled, he knows that our bus driver is going to be there to get him over to the Medical Center on time.

Volunteering in your own community can help to provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. When you volunteer you are doing good for others in your community, which allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping with the smallest tasks can make a real difference.

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Volunteering connects you to others
  • Volunteering is good for your mind and body
  • Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life

Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. It also helps in battling things like depression by keeping you in regular contact with others.

When it comes to volunteering passion and positivity are the only requirements. While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it's not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Keep in mind that the most valuable assets you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and a positive attitude.

Are you interested in joining Ben as a volunteer at Riverside Healthcare? Get more information about volunteering at Riverside by visiting riversidehealthcare.org/volunteer or by calling Volunteer Services at (815) 935-3277.