A Friendly Voice: Volunteer Keeping Veterans in Touch
The week of April 20th – 26th is National Volunteer Week, an annual observance to honor and highlight the dedication and importance of volunteers.
Battle Creek VA Medical Center’s Community and Volunteer Service not only handles the incoming donations to make the stay for Veteran residents a little more comfortable, but they also maintain an army of over 300 volunteers who interact with Veterans in unique ways.
One such group includes volunteer callers in the Compassionate Contact Corps (CCC), who play a unique role in connecting with homebound Veterans and serving as a conduit for VA care and services.
Battle Creek Community and Volunteer Service not only handles the incoming donations to make the stay for Veteran residents a little more comfortable, but they also maintain an army of volunteers who interact with Veterans in unique ways. Our small group of volunteer callers in the Compassionate Contact Corps (CCC) play a unique role in connecting with our homebound Veterans and serving as a conduit for VA care and services.
Berna Novak is one of these CCC volunteers. She has been volunteering for Battle Creek VA for 17 years and was hand-picked for her active listening skills and her ability to connect. The bonds she has created with Veterans have been beneficial for both her and them. “I am so lucky to be able to do this,” said Novak, who currently conducts weekly check-ins with four enrolled Veterans. “Whether they are having a great day, or struggling with something personal, I want them to know that someone who cares is there for them at that moment.”
“There are some things only volunteers can do,” said Novak, noting the amount of time, and non-traditional schedule of the Veterans. “The time and duration of the calls are just between you and the Veterans,” continued Novak. “Lots of Veterans are night owls, so my calls to them are later in the evening. Sometimes my call is just to say ‘hello’ and sometimes Veterans really want to talk, pray, or just listen to a familiar voice.”
Veterans are referred to CCC by clinical staff if the Veteran is socially isolated, is experiencing loneliness, or they feel the Veteran could benefit from this program. Battle Creek Community and Volunteer Service carefully screens and selects volunteers for this unique role. “Primarily, they need to be able to talk comfortably with Veterans and to actively listen to them,” said Joseph Devyak, Voluntary Service Specialist. Selectees are trained and matched with socially isolated Veterans. Weekly phone calls last between 15 and 60 minutes and provide socialization and companionship.
Novak began volunteering at Battle Creek VA Medical Center when her late husband (a disabled Veteran) was a resident at our Community Living Center (CLC). “I was visiting each day anyway,” said Novak, “so I found little ways to help the staff and became a kind of ‘team mom’ to all the residents.” Over 4,300 volunteer hours later, Berna sees the Veterans she interacts with as part of her family. “I’ve helped get Veterans through some tough times,” said Novak. “I’ve helped Veterans in crisis, assisted Veterans with getting the proper medical equipment, and helped Veterans in danger of eviction. I’ve even received five marriage proposals,” said Novak with a laugh.
Battle Creek is one among 80 VA facilities across the country with a CCC in operation. There are also many other ways volunteers can make a difference to Veterans in every VA facility. If you know someone who is interested in volunteering in any way, they can contact Community and Volunteer Service by calling extension 35497.