L-R-Chloe Tomasso, Cristle Collins Judd, Emily Bloom, Hannah Lee, Rosabelle DuBois and Nelson Rodriguez. Photo by Barry Mason
Wartburg, a premier senior residential and healthcare provider in lower Westchester County, recently celebrated and recognized the service of over 500 volunteers at their Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
Over 110 people gathered in Wartburg’s Gatz Conference Center to celebrate all of Wartburg’s volunteers who dedicated nearly 50,000 hours throughout 2023. In partnerships with schools, service organizations, individuals and corporations, Wartburg’s volunteers taught art classes, visited residents, provided spiritual care, and played games or read to residents.
“This event is a small token of how much you really mean to us,” said Dr. David J. Gentner, Wartburg President & CEO, as he welcomed everyone. “This organization was founded by volunteers, our Board of Directors and your dedication to service will always be appreciated. As President of Wartburg, I am proud to serve you.”
Sarah Lawrence College was presented with the Community Partner of the Year Award. The Sarah Lawrence College Community has shown extraordinary support and dedication to Wartburg and the people we serve. From podcasts to events and programming, Wartburg has been incredibly fortunate to have interns, student volunteers, and faculty collaborate with their senior community at Wartburg. This collaboration has been marked by numerous achievements, including receiving the Mellon Fellow grant, creating various podcast series, successful book clubs, intergenerational programming, and organizing events like the Movies on the Meadow Series. Notably, the Sarah Lawrence student volunteers played an integral role in the success of significant events such as Wartburg’s annual Jazz in June Gala, Fall Festival, Earth Day Celebrations, and the Wartburg Adult Day Senior Prom and Open House. These enriching activities, events, and programming have made a profound and positive difference in the lives of Wartburg senior community.
The Claudia Brigman Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Sister Mary Elizabeth DeBoer in memory of Claudia, who spent countless hours donating her time to all those in need. Sister DeBoer dedicates her free time to comforting Wartburg residents, providing spiritual care, and helping where needed. In 2023 alone, she has over 300 hours of service to residents and patients of Wartburg who rely on her spiritual care as both a sacristan and Eucharistic minister. Sister DeBoer can be found in the nursing home, feeding the residents and uplifting their spirits.
The 2023 Corporate Partner of the Year award was awarded to Home Depot and their volunteers whose support has made a substantial difference in Wartburg initiatives, including projects like the recent Lobby Refresh Project—A renovation of the lobby in the Waltemade Skilled Nursing Facility, and events such as Fall Festival, Holiday Tree Lighting, Veterans Fest, and Earth Day celebration. The Lobby Refresh Project not only enhanced the aesthetics of Wartburg facility but also created a more welcoming and comfortable environment for Wartburg residents and visitors. Their contributions of supplies and volunteers made Earth Day and Wartburg workshops for seniors and the children of the Youth Community Outreach Program (YCOP) and Boys and Girls Club a resounding success.
These events have a lasting impact, providing education and enjoyment to both young and old. The first annual Earth Day Campus Clean up and beautification project was the first event marking the return of Volunteerism at Wartburg post-pandemic. This event helped to bring life back to the campus post-pandemic after the two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are honored that our Wartburg Family includes a cadre of wonderful volunteers who give their time and talent to bringing smiles to our residents and patients through a host of fun and stimulating programs,” said Kerry Minto, Director of Volunteers. “We cannot thank them enough for their selfless efforts.”
A cornerstone of Wartburg’s mission is its commitment to being a welcoming community offering ecumenical services for people of all faiths. Built on an unwavering belief in caring for the whole person, Wartburg offers Spiritual Care Visitor Training, enabling volunteers to provide basic pastoral care skills including faith sharing, discernment, communication, clinical visits, aging and illness issues, interactive exercises, and grief counseling. Over 30 graduates spent over 2,300 hours this year bringing peace and spiritual care to their residents. In addition, Wartburg’s Worship on Wheels volunteers donated 576 hours to transport nursing home residents to their historic chapel for Sunday services.
For information on Wartburg’s volunteer program, visit their website at Wartburg.org or call Kerry Minto at 914-513-5308 or kminto@wartburg.org.
