Jill Bladh and her canine companion, Carmen, were recently named Volunteers of the Year at Lutheran Social Services.
Staff and residents surprised Jill and Carmen with flowers, gifts and a plaque to honor them for their dedication. Mrs. Bladh and Carmen visit residents of the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center regularly.
"It is amazing that Carmen is helping others now," Mrs. Bladh said. "She was in a high-kill shelter and rescued by Save Ohio Strays just hours from being euthanized. She is such a loving dog."
Mrs. Bladh and her husband have had Carmen for a year and a half.
In addition to bringing Carmen to visit, Mrs. Bladh volunteers with Daniel S. Rumfelt, LSS chaplain, as an end-of-life volunteer. With Mrs. Bladh's help and encouragement, the program has grown to include several volunteers who offer support and stay with residents who have no family or friends, to assure that no one dies alone.
Volunteers at Lutheran Social Services are involved in running the gift shop, helping with activities and music therapy, transporting residents to various appointments within the building, visiting with residents and helping with office tasks. For more information about volunteering at Lutheran Social Services, call Suellen Carlson, director of volunteers, at 665-8090.
