After retiring, Sharelle knew she wasn’t ready to stop serving others. When a friend who worked at NMC Health mentioned the hospital needed volunteers, she decided to give it a try.
“I was still in that work mode where I wanted to do something,” she says. “A friend who worked here told me they needed volunteers, so I decided to help.”
What began as a recommendation from a friend has turned into nearly 10 years of service and new relationships throughout the hospital. For Sharelle, volunteering has been about more than giving her time. It has been about being part of a community that cares for one another.
Her story is a reminder that community often grows through simple connections. One person invites another to get involved, and together they help make a difference.
Since the volunteer program resumed after COVID-19 in July 2022, Sharelle has contributed more than 650 volunteer hours at NMC Health. Her commitment has remained steady through years of change.
Sharelle volunteers in the Surgery Waiting Area, helping patients and family members find where they need to go. She works closely with nurses and helps connect families with doctors when updates are available.
“Sharelle has been an integral part of the team since well before I came onboard,” says Erin Johnson, NMC Health Director of Volunteer Services. “She, and a few of her teammates in surgery waiting, have reliably served in this role for many years. Most recently, they navigated all the changes during the Emergency Room Expansion project and were outstanding at offering directions and information to visitors during construction alongside their regular duties.”
Supporting families during surgery
The Surgery Waiting Area is often filled with quiet conversations, nervous anticipation, and families waiting for news about loved ones. For many visitors, it can be one of the longest and most emotional parts of the day. Sharelle understands that and tries to make the experience a little easier.
“Sometimes people want to talk, and sometimes they don’t,” she says. “I just try to be there for them.”
Johnson says that ability to stay calm is one of Sharelle’s greatest strengths.
“Different people have different needs,” Johnson says. “Sometimes family members want to have a conversation to process their emotions or provide a distraction from their worry. Other times, they simply want information and a guide to understanding what is happening with their loved one. Sharelle is great at meeting people where they are and making sure patients and their loved ones feel supported throughout the process.”
Johnson says Sharelle remains compassionate, even when emotions are running high.
“Sharelle knows that emotions can run high when you are concerned about your loved one,” Johnson says. “She seeks to remain level-headed and compassionate because she knows these individuals are frustrated and worried.”
A friendly smile, a kind word, or simply listening can make a big difference during a difficult day.
That kindness doesn’t go unnoticed.
“People regularly comment about how much they appreciate our surgery waiting volunteers,” Johnson says. “Many of the new volunteers who join us do so because they met people like Sharelle while their loved one was in surgery and wanted to serve others the same way.”
Helping behind the scenes
Every other Thursday, Sharelle switches gears and volunteers on NMC Health’s inpatient medical unit, where patients stay while receiving treatment and recovering from illness. There, she stocks supply cabinets that nurses use throughout the day while caring for patients.
“The nurses need supplies ready when they need them,” she says. “They let me know they appreciate the help.”
Most patients never see this work, but it helps the hospital run smoothly each day and ensures caregivers have what they need close at hand.
Johnson says Sharelle helped rebuild the hospital’s volunteer stocking program after it had been inactive for a period of time.
“Sharelle took this on, created a checklist and plan, and even helped build a team by training a second volunteer to help,” Johnson says. “Staff are so grateful to have the cabinets consistently stocked so they can focus on patient care.”
Two roles, one commitment
Sharelle enjoys the balance between her two volunteer jobs.
One role allows her to spend time with families. The other keeps her moving as she stocks supplies throughout the hospital.
“They’re so different, and I like that,” she says.
Even though the jobs are different, both allow her to support patients, families, and staff.
Ask anyone who works with Sharelle, and they’ll tell you she makes a difference wherever she serves.
“Sharelle is definitely a person you want to have on your team,” Johnson says. “She is reliable and service-minded and seeks to work with others to ensure that every patient and family who comes through NMC Health has the best experience possible.”
Johnson also describes Sharelle as calm and level-headed. She says Sharelle helps those around her feel calm, is enthusiastic, and is always willing to step in and serve wherever she is needed.
If she had to describe Sharelle’s years of service in just three words?
“Competence, compassion, people-focused.”
Giving back to the community
One thing Sharelle values most is the support she receives from the NMC Health team.
“I feel like the staff here appreciates volunteers,” she says.
Sharelle also says she feels appreciated by the NMC Health team, and Johnson believes that appreciation goes both ways.
Volunteers like Sharelle help create the welcoming environment people experience at NMC Health. Through nearly a decade of service, she has made a lasting impact on patients, families, staff, and fellow volunteers. Her example has also inspired others to give back, creating a cycle of service that continues to strengthen the hospital and the community.
Because of her experience, Sharelle encourages others to volunteer if they are looking for a meaningful way to give back.
“It’s a privilege to work here,” she says. “The hours go by fast, and it’s well worth it.”
Why she keeps coming back
When asked what keeps her coming back each week, Sharelle’s answer is simple.
“I’m excited to see what the day brings,” she says. “I know I can make a difference.”
Sharelle described her volunteer experience in three words, with a smile as,
“Good time always.”
After nearly a decade of service, those three words reflect the joy Sharelle finds in helping others. Volunteering at NMC Health has been a chance to make a difference. And for the patients, families, and staff who have benefited from her kindness over the years, the feeling is entirely mutual.