Volunteer News

The SJH Auxiliary was presented with the 2002 Samaritan Center Community Award. This award is presented to an agency and/or organization that has contributed valuable time and resources to benefit the Samaritan center. The Auxiliary has embarked upon a cooperative venture with the Mother's Helpers Volunteer Program in the Family Life Center.

St. Joseph’s Auxiliary receives HANYS Advocacy Certificate

The Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) recently presented St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Auxiliary with one of its statewide Auxiliary Advocacy Certificates. The Award recognizes individual auxiliaries for their contributions to their health care facilities and their communities.

During 2006, St. Joseph’s Auxiliary participated in various community health fairs, cholesterol and glucose screenings, blood pressure screenings, community blood drives, as well as with Catholic Charities of the Southern Tier’s Mother’s Helpers Program.

In addition to providing valuable services, these activities help raise awareness of the prominent role of health care facilities in the larger community. Statewide, more than 230 health care auxiliaries are affiliated with HANYS, which serves as the key statewide advocate for more than 550 non-profit and public hospitals, health systems, nursing facilities, home care agencies, hospice and adult day care programs, and other related health care facilities throughout New York State.

Organized in June of 1954, St. Joseph’s Auxiliary was established to promote and advance the welfare of the hospital, render service to the hospital and its patients as well as to raise money for use in and by the hospital.

AUXILIARY EMBARKS ON NEW PROJECT

The SJH Auxiliary is reaching out to the community to help those in need. Working in partnership with the Catholic Charities Samaritan Center, the Auxiliary will be participating in the Mother's Helpers' Program.

This program originated ten years ago. Its focus was to provide services and support to pregnant women and families with young children. The program supplied items such as baby food, baby and maternity clothing, baby furniture, and more. Lack of volunteer support ended the program but the Samaritan Center retained its Family Life Center.

Now the Auxiliary has stepped in to work with the Samaritan Center to revive the program. Volunteers will continue to provide these needy mothers and children with their physical needs as well as serving as mentors to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of the clients.

It is a big undertaking and the SJH Auxiliary is asking that you, the St. Joseph's family, help in any way that you can. They need "gently used" maternity clothing. There is an urgent need for diapers, baby food, formula, baby furniture and accessories, toys, and books. As any of you who have families know, these items are expensive and struggling young mothers truly need help. If you wish to donate items, please drop them off at the Volunteer Office on the 4th floor. Thank you for your generosity.

For information contact Kathy Gray at extension 7819