HAPPY FEBRUARY FROM your long-term-care Ombudsmen at ABLE!
February conjures images of white snow contrasted by crimson red hearts, bitter cold, and warm cups of cocoa. Love is in the air with Saint Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14th. It’s no secret that quality relationships lend to happier lives. Quality relationships help give our lives purpose and a sense of belonging.
This month, we wanted to highlight how important volunteerism is in developing meaningful relationships and making others feel heard. For example, did you know that every year thousands of letters are sent to Verona, Italy addressed to “Juliet,” the subject of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet? A team of volunteers answers the letters and awards the “Cara Giulietta” (Dear Juliet) prize to the author of the most touching letter.
Answering “Letters to Juliet” is a way that those volunteers find purpose and meaning by making others feel heard. Similarly, Ombudsman volunteers answer the call, but instead of responding with letters, we respond with advocacy for long-term-care consumers. Our Ombudsmen team serves 17 counties in Ohio and provides advocacy services, free of charge, to consumers in long-term-care settings. Our work would not be possible without our team of certified volunteers. For more information about receiving services or volunteering with our program, please call 419-259-2891.
Lori Davis is Region 4 Volunteer Coordinator for the Ombudsman office.
