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Congratulations are in order for our own Blake Hansen, who was recognized last night with a “Star of the North” Congressional Award for Outstanding Community Service!

The Star of the North Congressional Award was designed to publicly recognize extraordinary acts of service and random acts of kindness of Minnesotans in the 2nd District to our community and our world.  (Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District spans the width of the entire southern metro area and contains all of Carver, Scott, Le Sueur, Goodhue, and Rice Counties.)

“We are blessed in Minnesota to be surrounded by so many selfless individuals who are willing to step up to address the needs they see in our communities and beyond,” Congressman John Kline said. “These ‘Stars of the North’ have given far more than they have received — by volunteering, offering a helping hand, or reaching out to a neighbor to ask, ‘What can I do for you?’**

**Source:  http://kline.house.gov/index.cfmsectionid=15&sectiontree=15)

Congratulations, Blake, for being recognized as not only a CHILDREN’S Star, but a “Star of the North!”

Blake Hansen, pictured with Congressman John Kline

With high school and college students making up about two-thirds of our volunteer corps, we know that parental support is a HUGE component of supporting student volunteers in their volunteer ventures.  Recently, we received the following kind e-mail from the parents of volunteer Haley Adasiewicz:

“Just wanted to thank you and Children’s for offering Haley a wonderful volunteer experience.  She really enjoyed her time, learned a lot and I know will draw on her experience as she goes to college.  Please thank the nurses and other staff at Children’s who took extra time to show her what to do and answer her questions.   Thanks so much.  -Gina and Matt Adasiewicz [Haley's parents]“

Haley Adasiewicz

This officially concludes the end of Volunteer Recognition Week here at Children’s!  We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading kind words from staff members, “success stories” of program alumni, and in-depth profiles of the variety of caring & talented individuals who donate their time to our program. 

On behalf of all of us in Volunteer Services, THANK YOU so much for the amazing work that you do!   This may be the end of National Volunteer Week, but there is NO end to our gratitude & appreciation for you!

Tanya (L), pictured with volunteer Randy Reyes and Eriq (“The Dude!”) Nelson  on a Project Runway-inspired episode of the Kids’ Clubhouse TV show!

Child & Family Services Project Specialist Tanya Juarez-Sweeney has been working at Children’s for 5 years now, working in Child & Family Services on a variety of teams and special projects.  In Tanya’s words:

How long have you been working with volunteers?

Initially I worked with volunteers in the Family Resource Center, but over the past few years, most of my time with volunteers revolves around the Star Studio television programming–which we couldn’t pull off without the help of volunteers!

What is your favorite thing about having volunteer support?

I love the variety of cool personalities and big hearts! I always ask volunteers what drew them to volunteer here, and I love hearing the myriad of answers. I love the personal enthusiasm that volunteers bring to Children’s. They are genuinely invested in our mission and love working with our patients and families! There is something special in all of us at Children’s that drew us to being a part of this organization. I think there is something extra-special in volunteers because they give a piece of themselves and their time simply because they want to, without any expectations.

Are there any stories that you want to share about volunteers?

“You take ½  and I’ll take the other ½…”  How many times have I said this to a volunteer as they have rescued us by rounding with me before a show? It has been fun to hit the floors together and feel like a power team as we spread the word about the TV shows! I appreciate the fun and the help!

Thank you so much, Tanya, for the warmth & kindness that you always extend to our volunteers!

As many of our Minneapolis volunteers know, we undertake an immense task every couple of months:  labeling informational brochures for the Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) Center at Children’s.

Anne Helgason, SIDS Program Center Assistant, was kind enough to send the following note after our most recent batch of brochures was sent over:

“What a great surprise to come in today and find all these boxes of brochures! Thank you, once again, for your hard work, and that of your wonderful volunteers.  It is a great help to us, and now we are set for a while.

With our appreciation,
Anne”

Pictured:  Kathleen Fernbach, SIDS Coordinator, & Anne Helgason, SIDS Center Program Assistant

Thank you, Kathleen & Anne, for always taking time to appreciate & acknowledge our volunteers!