Last Wednesday, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians staff volunteered three hours per staff member at LifeCare Alliance. The volunteer activities included packing, organizing, and distributing food and toiletries for the Groceries-To-Go Program, stuffing coupons in bags for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and serving food and refreshments to guests at the annual Senior Summer Fashion Show.
In honor of celebrating 70 years of Academy history, the OAFP staff is challenging all OAFP members, including themselves, to complete 70 hours of community service before the end of the year. In total, the OAFP staff has contributed a combined 33 hours, and are nearly half way to their goal of volunteering 70 hours. There are many reasons as to why people volunteer. For some, it offers the chance to give back, or make a difference. Perhaps, it just makes them feel good. Whatever the reason may be it’s always a great opportunity to connect with a community of people giving back to those in a time of need.
“I enjoy volunteering [at LifeCare Alliance] because I know I’m supporting my neighbors during a time when they need an extra hand,” said Kate Mahler, CAE, deputy executive vice president of the OAFP. “It’s also a lot of fun to work alongside my work family as we assemble bags of nourishment; though we always find a way to sneak in an extra snack or box of donuts for the clients to enjoy. When my shift is finished, I’m exhausted physically, but my spirit is always renewed!”
“It’s about making a difference in the lives of others,” said Erin Jech, director of performance improvement at the OAFP. “LifeCare Alliance offers an impressive program called, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides eligible seniors with coupons to use at their local farmers’ markets to purchase fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. This not only promotes socialization, but it also gives everyone access to fresh foods.”
LifeCare Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, provides a comprehensive array of health and nutrition services to older adults, and medically challenged or homebound residents. With the OAFP’s mission focusing on improving the health of patients by advocating for and advancing family medicine, this volunteer opportunity aligns strategically with the work being done by the OAFP. If you would like to know more about volunteering for LifeCare Alliance, visit their website.
For more information about the Academy’s community service initiative, visit our website. And, watch future editions of the Weekly Family Medicine Update to see where the staff volunteers next!