Malvern, Pa. - Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is seeking more volunteers interested in helping patients who are recovering from disabilities, especially to serve as sales associates in the gift shop.  In addition, there is an opening for a gift shop assistant, who would receive a small stipend.  The gift shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. when fully staffed.

 "Volunteering at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is an enjoyable way to help others, meet new friends and learn more about rehabilitation," says Yvonne Navarro-Brewer, volunteer coordinator.  "Last year, about 150 volunteers provided nearly 14,000 hours of service in a wide variety of important roles, including musicians and helpers for the weekend Concert Series, people to transport patients to therapy sessions within the hospital, pianists to provide background music in the patient dining room on week days, and plant lovers to work in the Horticultural Therapy Program."

Volunteers at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital are students, parents and grandparents, working professionals and retirees who share a desire to help others. Because the hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient services and recovery might take several months, volunteers and patients often form strong bonds. "Many of our volunteers have formed lasting friendships they enjoy both inside and outside the hospital environment," Navarro-Brewer says. 

Each year, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital shows its appreciation for volunteer efforts by hosting a special volunteer luncheon featuring guest speakers and awards for years of volunteer service. An active volunteer association hosts a number of fundraising events, such as the annual "Toast to Spring" fashion show and the award-winning Art Ability exhibit of works by artists with disabilities.  Volunteers are also needed to drive speakers with disabilities to injury-prevention presentations in schools, which are sponsored by the hospital's Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program.

Volunteer Opportunities
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital offers a number of unique volunteer opportunities that cover a wide range of patient-assistance and administrative needs requiring a wide range of skills.  These opportunities include:

• Pet-Assisted Therapy - The hospital has more than a dozen dogs serving as valued assistants for therapists.  If you have a dog you feel could help a therapist motivate patients to higher achievement, this might be an excellent opportunity. The volunteer coordinator can arrange an interview and training for you and your pet.
• Horticultural Center - The Horticultural Center, including a green house, pond, gazebo and outdoor gardens, is a wonderful place where patients receive occupational therapy working with plants and flowers.  Patients develop skills in planting seeds, cultivating plants, creating flower arrangements, and growing and selling fresh flowers and seasonal items.  Volunteers help in all of these areas, as well as in transporting patients.
• Aquatic Program - Water therapy is an important and enjoyable activity for many patients.  Volunteers can enjoy the water right along with patients while providing assistance.  Additionally, the pool is open to volunteers for swimming every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 - 9 a.m.
• Concert Series - Every weekend, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital presents a concert program for patients.  This musical program is enjoyed by all but presents a challenge in transporting patients to the concert area in the patient dining room.  Music-loving volunteers are needed to help make these events accessible for all patients.
• Gift Shop - More than just a store, the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Gift Shop also presents an important opportunity for patient therapy.  Patients, many of them stroke victims, use their time in the shop to re-learn important skills, with the generous help of volunteers.
• Performers - Volunteers with musical talents are welcomed to perform for patients during lunch (12 noon - 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 - 6 p.m.).  Hearing show tunes as background music is a great way for the patients to relax during and after a long day of therapy. There is a piano available in the Patient Dining Room and volunteers are encouraged to bring other instruments.

Volunteer Eligibility
Anyone aged 14 and up can volunteer at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.  The Junior Volunteers Program is available to teenagers and offers limited opportunities for helping out after school.  Teenagers are asked to commit to a two-hour shift at least one day a week.  Adult volunteers are asked to commit to a three-hour shift, at least one day a week.

Application Process
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you will need to fill out an application, sign a confidentiality agreement, have a negative tuberculosis test, undergo a background check and provide two references.  Additionally, the hospital asks that you fill in a job description indicating what kind of work you would enjoy doing at the hospital.
Once your application is received, the volunteer coordinator will arrange a personal interview to answer your questions and become more familiar with your interests and availability. For additional information, or to request an application, please call the hospital's Volunteer Department at 610-251-5599.     ###

Published:5-12-2008

Cynthia Atwood

Public Relations Coordinator

610-251-5710

atwoodc@mlhs.org