NIAGARA network
Helping People Move Forward with Their Lives.
Millcreek Residents Define
Volunteerism Many Different Ways
V
olunteerism. Merriam- Webster defines it as “the act or practice
of doing volunteer work in community service.” Dictionary.com
defines it as “the policy or practice of volunteering one’s time
or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities,
especially in one’s community.” The truth is, volunteerism can take on
many shapes and forms. While some people may enjoy the spirit of
friendship that comes from being side-by-side with fellow volunteers,
others may find satisfaction in working directly with those in need,
and other volunteers may prefer a quiet, behind the scenes approach
to giving back. But one thing that nearly all volunteers have in
common is the sense of fulfillment and the reward of helping others.
However you define Volunteerism, we hope that you enjoy and are
inspired by the following stories about volunteers in our community.
HIGHMARK CARING PLACE
Since 2007, Erica Ratkowski, has been a volunteer with Highmark
Caring Place, a center for grieving children, adolescents and their
families. The Caring Place provides peer support services for children
grieving the death of someone they love. As the children and teens
meet with others of their own age, the adults attend as well, so the
entire family receives support. At the Caring Place, the children’s
peers in the groups, along with
trained adult volunteers, create
a safe place in which feelings,
thoughts and memories can be
shared openly. As the grief is
expressed, the children discover
more and more how to manage
it and how to integrate the loss into their lives. A community
resource, the Caring Place offers services at no fee and no insurance
is necessary. Services include peer support groups, referral services,
educational programs, adult telephone support and resources, peer
support groups in schools, consultation services and educational
presentations and trainings.
Ratkowski says she believes in the importance of giving back
to our community and that Volunteerism allows organizations
such as the Caring Place to be free resources to families in our
communities. “I volunteer at the Caring Place because I believe
strongly in the mission of this organization,” she says. “Grief and
loss are a part of the human experience, yet they are topics that
are so often avoided. At the Caring Place, we walk with families
through their darkest moments, teach them that it is okay to talk
about their difficult feelings, and show them that they are not alone
in their grief. They are able to trust us as trained volunteers, to help
them find hope again. It is a challenge, an honor, and a truly unique
volunteer experience that has helped me grow as a person.”
One of Ratkowski’s favorite memories comes each summer at
the volunteer dinner, when an adult or child who has attended
the Caring Place speaks to a room full of volunteers about their
experience. Quite often they talk about their initial fears minimized
over time as they came to find acceptance, empathy and hope. “It
reminds me of how much courage it takes for families to come
through the Caring Place and how our small sacrifices of time as
volunteers can be the beginning of life-altering, new beginning for
the grieving,” says Ratkowski.
For Ratkowski, being a volunteer at the Caring Place and being
exposed to the pain of loss has given her a profound appreciation
for life. “It has helped me to become an advocate for those grieving
in an age group that is often overlooked in society. I have learned
that quite often, the people who hurt the most just need to feel
valued and heard, and this is a lesson that enriches all aspects of my
life.”
If interested in volunteering, contact Kristen.huber@highmark.
com or 814-528-0934. Donations can be sent to Highmark
Caring Place 510 Cranberry Suite 100, Erie, PA 16507. Monetary
donations are matched dollar for dollar by Highmark. Donations of
tissues etc. are always welcome.
MILLCREEK
Continued on next page >
❘
SPRING 2019
69