What inspired you to get involved with Gateway House
Q1. What inspired you to get involved with Gateway House, and what keeps you passionate about its mission?
KV: I am a faith filled person and have long felt that the transition from our earthly life to our heavenly one deserves special care, for both the transitioning and the surviving. That's why I came to Gateway AND why I stay. My time here has totally confirmed my feeling AND has been such a blessing - to be a support for our staff and our residents and their loved ones.
Q2. What has been the most rewarding aspect of working alongside the team at Gateway House?
KV: Knowing that I've been helpful to the staff, brought a smile to the residents, and provided an ear and shoulder for our visitors.
Q3. How do you see Gateway House making a difference in the community over the next few years?
KV: I think the most valuable service Gateway provides is peace of mind to families. Yes, of course our residents are treated with amazing respect, constant care, and compassionate companionship, but it seems to me the lasting community impact is that each resident's family and friends witness all that first hand, in addition to the comforting shoulder/ear of the staff and volunteers, and the homey setting for visitors and residents alike.
Q4. What advice would you give to someone looking to make a difference in comfort care, end-of-life service?
KV: This is not 'task based' service, which might take some getting used to for new staff and volunteers. Some shifts are quiet; some shifts are busy. All shifts are meaningful and valuable, even if you don't see the impact right away. Be patient with your service here - it's totally worth it.
Q5. What’s one fun fact about you that people might not know?
KV: I was born overseas and am often more facile with chopsticks than a fork.
Bonus questions:
Q6 How do you stay motivated and inspired in your role?
KV: I think the work itself is motivating - seeing peace and comfort in the smiles of our residents and hearing the appreciation from our staff and visitors is all the inspiration I could ever wish for.
Q7. What’s one thing you think every person should know about the work Gateway House is doing?
This is not sad work, done in a sad place, with sad people. This is beautiful work, done in a comfortable, home-like setting, with and for wonderful people, all of whom deserve the most dignity we can provide.