Volunteers are Like Family at BBH

Describing someone as being “like family” says a lot about that person’s value in your life. Bailey-Boushay House (BBH) volunteers have always been like family to our clients — contributing more than 100,000 hours of time since we opened nearly 30 years ago.

“Many outpatients don’t have family or friends. It’s like they don’t even have names when they leave here because no one knows them,” says Stephanie Pietras, volunteer manager, BBH. “Little things, like a consistent ‘Hello, how are you?’ from volunteers not only brings dignity to our clients, it helps them become a part of a healthy community.”

In 2018, 207 volunteers generously shared more than 14,400 hours with our organization. Some of these dedicated community members have a special connection to BBH. Among the diverse team are volunteers who have had loved ones die at BBH. These volunteers can bring a unique perspective to their time here because of that personal experience.

Volunteers do everything from assisting rehab staff with exercise classes to helping clients write resumes. Some volunteers even go through special training to help take wheelchair-bound residents on walks in the neighborhood.

“We have several volunteers who have been with BBH for years — like one gentleman who has manned the front desk every Thursday since 1992 — and we’re constantly seeing new volunteers come on board,” Pietras says. “They make it possible for us to have such a huge impact. We couldn’t do it without them.”