Southlake Village Volunteer Honored as the Coalition for Older Adult Health Promotion Volunteer of the Year

On October 17, 2014 Southlake Village Rehabilitation and Care Center volunteer Marge Rudd-Hillhouse was honored by the Lincoln Coaltion for Older Adult Health Promotion as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year.

For over three years, Marge Rudd-Hillhouse has spent her Wednesday mornings each week at Southlake Village Rehabilitation & Care Center reading to and socializing with our residents. Marge has read several books to the group including Little Heathens, Heaven is for Real and many stories from the Chicken Soup for the Soul books-Dog stories, Cat Stories, Older & Wiser as well as seasonal books and short stories. She personalizes the book sessions by engaging each resident by name, welcoming them to the group and thanking them for coming. Marge began her volunteer service to what is now Southlake by visiting a member of her church on a one on one basis. Marge’s joy for life was quickly noted and she was invited to volunteer on a regular basis-which she has now done for over three years.

Marge has developed caring relationships with residents as well as staff – Should she have a personal scheduling conflict Marge works to ensure another day as an option during the week so that those who eagerly anticipate her visits are not disappointed. Should one of Marge’s regular attenders does not attend her weekly book club she seeks them out for a one on one visit as well as spends one on one time in games such as Chinese checkers and Kings in the Corner. She has been involved in a ‘Wedding Advice’ Shower, helping residents facilitate advice to a young ‘soon to be married couple’

Marge is a very special volunteer, who has a heart for working with older adults. Her volunteer service certainly is food for the soul of those at Southlake Village. We are blessed to have her share her talents