BABYSITTING CLASS OFFERED

Health system offers two dates, May 29 and 31

Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) is offering a choice of two sessions for its Babysitting Class, for those who have completed fifth grade: Wednesday May 29 and Friday May 31, from 9am to 3pm in the lower level of the health system’s main campus at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. The class, co-sponsored by OCAHS and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, includes child development, first aid, nutrition, and presentations by local professionals. Participants are asked to bring a teddy bear or doll. Cost is $20 and includes snacks, lunch, and all materials. Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required by Thursday May 23 by calling the OCAHS Education Department at 737-5260 or online at ocHealthSystem.org/educational-programs.

Consider becoming a Hospice Volunteer!

Orange City Area Health System Home Health & Hospice is seeking volunteers to be part of its Hospice program. “There are many ways to become involved with Hospice,” explains Kim Jansma, Orange City Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. “By volunteering you will touch and enrich many lives, including your own.” According to Jansma, some volunteers have the opportunity to make home visits that includes helping with household tasks, caring for children, running errands, playing games, and preparing meals. Other volunteers serve by helping in the office with mailings, filing, and working on various special projects. Finally, there are volunteers trained to work with bereaved families, offering support and encouragement through a very difficult time in their lives. “To help make this experience truly rewarding for both the volunteer and the patient,” explains Jansma, “the Hospice team works with each volunteer to help assess interests and skills before placement with a patient.” Volunteers in Hospice find it personally gratifying, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally meaningful to assist those in need at a critical point in their lives, reports the Hospice Foundation of America. Many of the volunteers are introduced to hospice care through the death of a family member and understand firsthand its value, but nearly 20% of volunteers are new to hospice. If you are interested in learning more about becoming trained for this valuable experience, please call Kim Jansma, social worker/volunteer coordinator, Orange City Home Health and Hospice, at 737-5279. For more information about Hospice, visit ocHealthSystem.org.