“I feel it is important to give back and also keep busy and active, so volunteering at the Hospital has really been enjoyable and good for me.”
— Paula Ellis, Retired Social Worker and Hospital Volunteer
After a 30-year career in social work, Paula Ellis is embracing retirement by staying active and giving back to her community. For Paula, who comes from a large family where volunteering is a way of life, it’s just “in our blood to give back.” She also volunteers at the Riley County Genealogical Society & Library and loves to walk and read.
At the hospital, Paula’s role in Admissions is all about helping people. She welcomes patients, escorts them, transports them in wheelchairs, and helps them with forms. She finds her efforts are meaningful when staff members like Leslie tell her that volunteers help “complete their tasks quicker and helped patients from not having to wait as long.”
Paula believes that volunteering is a great way to stay active and maintain cognitive abilities. It also allows you to learn more about the hospital’s resources and meet new people. “I feel fortunate to have good enough health to do that,” she says.