The Helpline Center congratulates Pat Humphrey on being named the June 2016 Volunteer of the Month, an area-wide award program sponsored by the Helpline Center and MetaBank.

Pat has been making a positive impact on clients in the Sioux Falls area for the past three years. Over that time, Pat has volunteered over 3,200 hours, and in 2013 she received the Gold Presidential Award.

As a Senior Companion, Pat helps older individuals maintain independence in their own homes by providing weekly scheduled visits. She provides companionship to those who are socially isolated, and helps with transportation to the grocery store, pharmacy, and doctor appointments.

Pat is a retired respiratory therapist and says her years of medical training come in handy with her work as a Senior Companion. Not only does Pat serve older clients, she also serves physically, developmentally, and emotionally impaired clients that range in age from 25 to 91.

Recently, Pat arrived at her 90 year old client’s home to find that she was not feeling well. Within minutes upon her arrival, Pat determined the woman was having a stroke and called 911. If not for Pat’s medical training and quick response, the woman could have been seriously affected by the stroke, or even died.

Another client recently shared with Pat that he did not know how to read. Pat said, "Right then and there we got to work on that." Today, that same client tells Pat constantly how much he appreciates her taking the time to help him learn how to read and play games.

The Helpline Center and MetaBank are pleased to present Pat with a framed certificate, a gift from MetaBank, and a letter of appreciation from Mayor Huether. Pat will also be honored at the 'Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Banquet' on May 11, 2017.

For information on volunteer opportunities, and how YOU can get involved in the Sioux Falls community, please call the Helpline Center at 211 or visit www.helplinecenter.org.

(Source: Helpline Center)

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