Local Ministries

Find purpose, faith and fellowship as a Villa volunteer

From left, Juanita Snyder, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, and Linda DeCarlo, a member of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, assist resident Annie with a jewelry purchase in the gift shop at Villa St. Francis in Olathe. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAN DIXON

by Jan Dixon
Special to The Leaven

OLATHE — Before volunteer Larry Collett retired, he decided to do something valuable with his remaining years.

“The most valuable thing I have is my time, and I decided to give it to others,” said Collett. In addition to his part-time work and his camping, the grandfather and member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe started screening visitors at Villa St. Francis in Olathe during COVID, and helped get residents to daily Mass, which eventually evolved into being a sacristan.

Now, it’s a bit more than that.

“I volunteer seven days a week, two-plus hours a day,” he said, “because there is always something to do at Villa.”

Villa St. Francis is a Catholic care center that provides skilled nursing, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation services for senior citizens of all faiths.

Since 1998, Craig and Sue Wohler have volunteered there. Initially, Sue volunteered in the sewing room when her uncle, Bishop Marion Forst, resided at the Villa.

“It was a way to visit him and help at the same time,“ she said. “I felt and saw a need and decided to keep helping after my uncle passed.” 

The Wohlers, parishioners of St. Ann Church in Prairie Village, now assist with transporting people to and from Mass on Sundays.

Nearly every Sunday for the last 24 years, Margaret Kelly has baked and served cake to residents after Mass.

“I first volunteered many years ago on Christmas Day and discovered my love for the elderly,” said the parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Roeland Park. While she has continued to design curriculum and teach in Catholic schools, as well as travel widely and pursue other hobbies, Kelly happily gives a few hours each week to help.

“Volunteering at Villa Saint Francis is a blessing in so many ways.”

Edgar D’Souza volunteers his time and talent by drawing caricatures of residents. The Cordys and the Bernings assist with Mass. Linda DeCarlo, Karen Brinker, Carol Hackett and Mimi DeCoursey belong to the Ladies of Charity organization and for many years have run a weekly gift shop at Villa. Proceeds from sales are given to Villa to make improvements, which enrich the lives of the residents and their families.

All who work or volunteer at the Villa believe in and put into action these core values — compassion, excellence, integrity, faith and respect.

“We have many wonderful volunteers who further our mission of putting the love of Christ into action,” said Shannon Morgan, director of human resources for the care center.

At Villa, many hands really do make light work — an activity schedule for 170 residents requires the help of many. Molly McIntyre, Life Enrichment Director at Villa St. Francis, feels that these longtime volunteers have had a huge impact on everyone there. The relationships built and companionship established have been long-lasting.

“Our volunteers are helping to meet the emotional and social needs of our family at Villa,” she said.

More volunteers are welcome to come share their time and talents at Villa St. Francis, however. No special skills are needed but a background check is required. Anyone over the age of 14 may volunteer and younger children are also welcome to volunteer with a parent. McIntyre said her own children — ages 15, 5 and 4 — love to help at Villa.

The residents at Villa St. Francis feel strongly about the volunteers. Karen H., a past volunteer herself, considers the ones at Villa to be the best. Don M. says it’s really about companionship and developing a personal relationship with those who spend time with you. And Camille N. believes “it creates a positive feeling seeing our volunteers come with smiles on their faces.”

Through one-on-one interaction, the volunteers have helped bring love and joy to the residents. And the benefits to the volunteers are plentiful too. Long-lasting friendships with residents, staff, families and other volunteers have grown.

“They have given me much more than I’ve given them,” said Kelly.

These longtime volunteers have made a difference.

“We view volunteers as essential to our ministry of providing excellent service to our residents: mind, body and soul,” said Brad Heidrick, CEO of Catholic Community Health. “Volunteers are  a vital part of contributing to the mission of Villa St. Francis.”

For information on volunteering at Villa St. Francis, contact Shannon Morgan at (913) 747-0260.

About the author

The Leaven

The Leaven is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

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