Spotlight on WCRC Volunteers and Ten New Events!

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteer Spotlight: Karin Tugendhat

As many of you know, WCRC was started by a small group of committed volunteers. Twenty-three years later, we continue to depend on the generosity and dedication of a small group of committed individuals to assist us in providing culturally competent information and referral, outreach and education, support groups and practical in-home support.

While we value the contribution of all of our volunteers, this month we want to highlight one volunteer who recently completed her fifth year of service to WCRC. Karin Tugendhat has volunteered for WCRC since January 2004. She's almost like a member of the staff because she's been here so long. Karin volunteers for a weekly 4-hour shift on the Information & Referral Helpline (I&R). On the I&R line, not only does she provide callers with information on practical resources such as contact information to the local Medi-Cal office or the phone number to a social worker, but she also provides emotional support to women with cancer who are in need of someone to listen to their concerns and fears. In addition to her individual work on the I&R line, Karin has also trained new volunteers on the "ins and outs" of the I&R helpline. Karin is a reliable and dependable volunteer who goes above and beyond what is asked of her. We are grateful for the warmth and generosity that Karin brings to WCRC every Thursday morning.

The job of a volunteer can often go unnoticed. This is our small way of saying that we notice the work that Karin and all of our volunteers do to support the women we serve. Thank you for continuing to support us in our mission.

Why I Volunteer at WCRC

My name is Sandy and I have been volunteering at the Women's Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) for about a year. WCRC was one of the organizations I contacted when I was searching for a volunteer situation that would give me the opportunity to communicate with and help women dealing with cancer. I wanted to find a way to honor my partner who passed away after a long struggle with cancer. I was impressed with the Center's commitment to working directly and collaboratively with women with cancer and signed up for the Information and Referral (I&R) Helpline.

On more than one occasion I wondered to myself if I had the ability to work effectively with cancer patients. My doubts subsided after the training I received from WCRC staff and other volunteers who were encouraging, helpful, and accessible as I trained and then soloed on the Helpline. Their unwavering support is present every day that I work at the Center.

The I&R Helpline, staffed by volunteers, is often the first point of contact women with cancer and their supporters have with the Center. Sometimes the women are alone or isolated and need an attentive, compassionate, and empathetic person to talk to. Other times clients may seek information about treatment options, how to get a second opinion, where to get assistance with insurance matters, which complementary therapies might help them feel better, or what types of support groups are available to them.

It is wonderfully rewarding to connect with all of the courageous, resilient women who contact the Center and to know that I am providing meaningful, useful support to them. I always look forward to my time on the Helpline, and every Monday after my shift, I'm positive that my time has made a significant contribution to the women who struggle with and, in many cases overcome, their disease.

Are you a good listener? Are you compassionate? If so, you might consider volunteering with WCRC.

In-service and Training Opportunities for Volunteers

A Community Dialogue on Cultural Responsiveness for WCRC Staff & Volunteers