August 7, 2017 (Winston-Salem, NC) ─ Giving back to your community brings many rewards. That’s what staff from several area hospice providers are discovering after spending time volunteering at Southfork, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Winston-Salem. Staff from Novant Health Systems and Hospice and Palliative CareCenter recently volunteered their time hosting several fun events at Southfork.

Pictured above, Southfork resident Frank Perkins proudly displays his gold medal which he earned during the Olympics hosted by staff from Novant Health System.

Pictured in a group are Novant employees (front row, left to right) Business Analytics Analyst Clara Brown, Sr. Director of Revenue & Relationship Operations Jean Wester, Certified Therapy Pet Henry, Pricing Analyst Sr. Jenny Giles, (back row) Pricing Analyst Sr. Matt Pahoumis, Pricing Analyst Sr. Matthew Hallgren, Consultant Toietta Dixon, Business System Analyst Sr. Fran Kelley, Pricing Analyst Sr. Sharita Cody, Director of Revenue & Relationship Management Shelli Neal, Director of Revenue & Relationship Management Jacqueline Griffin, Director of Pricing Mitch Roof, Manager of Bundled Payment Services Jennifer Heichel, Pricing Analyst Sr. Kelly Brock and Director of Revenue & Relationship Management Carol Barron.

The Senior Olympics included activities such as putt-putt, volleyball, corn hole, bowling, ring toss, and a picture station equipped with an Olympic torch. Residents could float around to the various activities at their leisure. Volunteers from Novant Health led the activities and assisted residents in performing the games.

“They were a great encouragement to the residents,” said Activities Director Anna McAlister. “The residents really enjoyed participating and being active. They proudly held the Olympic flag and wore gold medals the entire day. I still see some of them wearing the gold medals.”

Novant Business Analytics Analyst Clara Brown said volunteering at Southfork was a very rewarding team-building experience!

“I was overwhelmed by how much the residents enjoyed the activities,” said Pricing Analyst Sr. Matthew Hallgren. “It felt great to bring smiles to their faces and I got a kick out of how they were cheering for one another.  It was definitely a very rewarding experience.”

In addition, staff from Hospice and Palliative CareCenter recently brought in five dozen donuts and coffee to honor veterans at Southfork. Residents signed a card of appreciation for their fellow veterans and the celebration was made complete with patriotic music! Pictured here at the veterans’ coffee celebration is Southfork resident and veteran Johnnie Montgomery.

For more information about Southfork, please contact Regional Director Melissa Silverman-Connolly at at (336) 768-8828, at msconnolly@depaul.org or visit us on Facebook.