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Volunteer Profile

Patti Hornacek

I began volunteering for Desert Ministries in May of 2003. Mary assigned me to Brookestone Nursing Home. On my first visit I found Linda, the Activities Director, outside fishing on their little lakeshore with some of the male residents. I started talking with them and helping them fish. I guess you could say I became “hooked” on helping the elderly that day! She had a long list of suggestions that I could do for the residents. Many of the residents needed someone to read to them, or play checkers with. I started helping with things like assisting with crafts and playing games with the ladies. (There were also some men interested in the crafts.) I also helped paint their fingernails! Don’t we all like to look beautiful?

I assisted a lady who needed help using her left hand to write. Her right hand was affected by a stroke. When I walked into the room she was just sitting there looking rather down. As she saw me she perked up and started to show me something new that she recently received. We started working on her letters and she was really showing some progress. She just needed some encouragement and it was a privilege to give her some.

On Fridays a wine and cheese party is given for the residents. It always seems to be a well-attended event. In the summer we go out on the patio and everyone is served cheese, and crackers, and fruit. There are always a variety of wines and pops. Sometimes it takes a little convincing to get some of the people to get out of their rooms, but when they do they are always glad they did. To see the elderly reaching out to each other and laughing and talking is such a blessing.

Many of these things would not be possible if it weren’t for volunteers. As you can see there are many needs that can be met simply by being there and being willing to help.

These days my volunteer time gets combined with my job because I am now employed part time with Brookestone. I guess I’m doubly blessed! Thanks Desert Ministries for helping to meet the needs of these lovely people.

Patti Hornacek

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