| Barnabas Volunteer Loves Making a Difference! |
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| | Trudie Richards, Barnabas Volunteer |
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Trudie Richards is an example of a volunteer who finds her service at Barnabas rewarding and inspiring. "Recently, when I was volunteering as receptionist", states Trudie, "a woman in her sixties walked into Barnabas Center".
The woman began to explain, "To make a long story short, last August I almost died". She told me she had been working as a professional care giver and awoke with a headache and decided to take some aspirin. The woman said, "I knew something was wrong. I hadn't had a headache since I was five".
She eventually called 911 and was admitted to the hospital, lapsed into a coma, and required invasive surgery to remove fluid from her brain. She had an aneurism. The woman told me how this event changed her life. Her head had been partially shaved, of course, but that was nothing. She had to give up her job as a care giver. She lost her home and now lives in a shelter. She must walk with a walker. She has no money and no insurance. She said she came to Barnabas needing dental work, an a large gap in her lower front teeth suggested she needed a partial denture. She also needed prescription medication to control swelling of her brain as well as medications for blood pressure and cholesterol.
The woman went on to say, "The aneurism caused a big deterioration in my eyesight and worst of all is that I can no longer read my Bible". Throughout all this the woman remained dignified, humble and not at all resentful. I was in awe of her strength through a journey that most of us would not have borne with such grace. I sent her to speak with our medical and dental staff and knew she'd be helped and told of a free vision clinic the following day which can provide her with eyeglasses. She thanked me, and off she went, pushing her walker, head held high. I had to share her story.
"This is just one reason why I love volunteering at Barnabas."
---submitted by Trudie Richards, Barnabas Receptionist
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| In Memory of Dr. Daniel Thomas | |
In memory of Dr. Daniel Thomas, the Board, staff and volunteers of Barnabas honor his work and spirit of helping others. Dr. Thomas passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 2, and he will be greatly missed.
Dr. Thomas joined the Barnabas Dental Program in July 2009. He became Director of the program as it grew to meet the needs within our community. In his dental practice, care for his patients and his staff was paramount. The Barnabas dental program provides low-cost dental services to uninsured Nassau County residents at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. He worked with dental staff and volunteers to coordinate a caring and thorough approach to patient care.
The Barnabas Dental Program is extremely grateful to Dr. Ken Owens who has stepped up to volunteer more of his time for Barnabas dental patients while a new staff dentist is sought. Barnabas appreciates everyone's understanding and patience while we transition through this difficult time and search for a new staff dentist for our Dental Program, the only one of its kind in Nassau County. The family has stated that donations may be made to the Nassau County Humane Society, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 (904-321-1647) or Barnabas Center, 1303 Jasmine Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 (904-261-7000).
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Gerri's Corner Moves To Barnabas!
|  Gerri's Corner, a non-profit resource center for women with cancer in Nassau County will be transitioning to Barnabas Center effective June 1. Gerri's Corner was organized in 2006 by Christine Alznauer in honor of her beloved sister, Gerri Dadd, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2005.
Mrs. Alznauer, Founder and Executive Director of Gerri's Corner, is retiring after nearly 10 years at the helm of this exceptional organization that has provided valuable services and essential products to women with cancer. As a result, Gerri's Corner will be operated by Barnabas Center in an effort to continue the outstanding and compassionate work that was started by Mrs. Alznauer. "Please continue to support our efforts as we transition to Barnabas Center", stated Christine Alznauer. "As two non-profit organizations, we rely on donations to provide the products to benefit our ladies with cancer. My hope is that our community will continue to do an outstanding job in supporting this wonderful service."
Gerri's Corner at Barnabas, as it is called, will continue to provide much of the same services at Barnabas Center. The program will serve women with any kind of cancer. Women can make appointments by contacting Barnabas Center at (904)261-7000. Gerri's Corner at Barnabas will enlist compassionate and knowledgeable volunteers who will listen to women's concerns and provide answers to their questions. The program will furnish support group information, brochures, reference material, DVD's and a lending library; as well as provide stylish head coverings, wigs, hairpieces, sleep caps, chemo bags with necessities and comfort pillows all free of charge.
"Gerri's Corner is an excellent complement to our health services", states Wanda Lanier, Barnabas Executive Director. "We emphasize the importance of mammograms and preventative measures. But for women who have an unfortunate diagnosis of cancer, we want to be a resource for them as well." |
| Paint For Fun! Paint For Hunger! Fill A Need! |  It all starts with a plain white bowl. Add paint, glaze, fellowship, and your own sense of design! To get ready for Empty Bowls, Barnabas needs volunteers for the following activities: 1. Come to a bowl painting party. Barnabas has parties scheduled in the Food Pantry on Monday, June 1, from 4-6 pm and on Monday, June 15, from 4-6 pm. RSVP to attend one or both of these parties by phoning (904)261-7000 or email info@barnabasnassau.org. 2. Host a bowl painting party (a party in your home, church, at Barnabas, etc.). Invite your friends! Have fun! Help Barnabas! 3. Be a "Bowl Angel". Be an angel and write a check to help cover the costs of bowl production. If you are looking for a fun activity to do with kids or company from out of town, the Island Art Association is hosting bowl painting sessions on the second Saturday and third Sunday of each month. Saturday hours are 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and Sunday hours are 1 - 4 p.m. at 18 North 2nd Street in downtown Fernandina Beach. For more information about participating in our bowl painting effort, contact Gloria Hamilton at (706)294-3408 or email gioham@comcast.net. |
| "News To You" from New To You! |
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| | Kerry Woods, New To You Store Manager |
Barnabas is pleased to announce that Kerry Woods was recently promoted to Store Manager at New To You Barnabas Resale Store. Kerry served as Associate Manager for the last four years and exclaims, "It is still a pleasure to come to work. Each day is a new challenge, brings new inventory, and someone finds that special something in the store".
Kerry graduated with a BA Degree from Eastern Washington University and moved to Fernandina Beach in the late 1970's. She ran her own resale business for sixteen years, sold it, and worked in an antique and home décor store for several years before joining the management team at New To You. Kerry says, "It's wonderful to see so many familiar shoppers in the store and to be a part of the Barnabas organization". Congratulations Kerry!
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Caraway Attends Faith Community Nursing Ministry Class
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Virginia Caraway, BSN, RN, Medical Coordinator and Diabetes Instructor for Barnabas Center, recently completed St. Vincent's Faith Community Nursing Ministry (FCN). FCN is the specialized practice of nursing which has a "wholistic" focus on the physical, psychological, spiritual and social dimension of health with emphasis on wellness, disease prevention, and spirituality. The Faith Community Nurse Ministry works in partnership with church congregations, community and medical resources to promote health, well-being and positive outcomes for underserved members in five surrounding counties. The Faith Community Nurse, guided by respect for the dignity and value of life, fosters the attitude that quality care must include ministering to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of church members and their families. Congratulations Virginia!
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Upcoming Events
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June 1 Empty Bowls Bowl Painting Party
4:00-6:00 Barnabas Food Pantry
June 13 Empty Bowls Bowl Painting at Island Art Association
9:30-11:30 a.m. 18 North 2nd Street, Fernandina Beach, FL
June 15 Empty Bowls Bowl Painting Party
4:00-6:00 p.m. Barnabas Food Pantry
June 21 Empty Bowls Bowl Painting at Island Art Association
1:00-4:00 p.m. 18 North 2nd Street, Fernandina Beach, FL
June 24 Barnabas Night at Four Seasons Bistro
5:00 - 9:00 p.m. 474305 W SR 200, Fernandina Beach, FL
10% of the evening supper proceeds will benefit Barnabas
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| Barnabas Is Now On Facebook! | 
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| Please visit our website at: www.BarnabasNassau.org |
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