A Ministry of Presence: How Ascension Florida Volunteers Bring Personalized Care and Comfort

For the thousands of patients and families who walk through the doors of Ascension Florida, the first face they see often belongs to our volunteers. During National Volunteer Week, the health system is celebrating the dedicated individuals who transform their own life experiences into a mission of service.

From the welcome desks to the hallways, these volunteers offer a ministry of presence.

The heart of the welcome desk
At Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, the spirit of service is embodied by volunteers like Cheryl F. who creates an environment where patients feel seen and cared for the moment they arrive.

Whether it is a warm greeting or a calm voice during a stressful moment, Cheryl and her fellow volunteers are essential to the hospital's commitment to personalized care. She describes her role as being the "heart" of the front door, ensuring every person feels the Mission of the Daughters of Charity from the start of their visit.

A gift of distraction in Pensacola
In Pensacola, Ken S. pauses at the entrance of Ascension Sacred Heart with a dozen roses before every shift. A local native, Ken knows the weight of the hospital's halls; he lost several family members, including his mother, who received care at the facility.

Now, he spends his Wednesdays and Fridays at the information desk, handing out roses to those who look overwhelmed.

"The rose is just something they can focus on to distract them from all the things going on," Ken said. "Scripture says you give and it shall be given to you. I'm planting seeds. If I can plant a good seed or some love in someone else's heart, I reap the harvest every time."

Hear more of his story from WEAR-TV by clicking here.

Turning grief into grace in St. Johns County
At Ascension St. Vincent's St. Johns County, Susan S. serves with a similar sense of purpose. After her husband, Robert, passed away following six months of care at the hospital, Susan decided to return to the facility where her family felt supported.

She now volunteers alongside the same nurses who cared for her husband, providing patients with water, blankets and handmade greeting cards.

"I try to be there for patients and their families," Susan said. "I'm doing good emotionally because I'm giving back, but I'm also getting so much back in return. I know my husband would have been very proud of this."

Joining the Mission
Ascension Florida volunteers serve in various capacities, from clinical support to spiritual care, exemplifying the system's commitment to caring for the whole person-body, mind and spirit. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Ascension Florida hospital near you for more information.