Susan Blair is a dedicated volunteer at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community and was recently recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Bronze level.

She has 133.96 volunteer hours since January 1, 2024, which qualifies her for the Bronze level of recognition. Susan was presented a certificate, letter from the President of the United States and medal for her accomplishment by Kristina Ladage, Volunteer Coordinator.

Bartels is among many area non-profit businesses to be accepted to participate in the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.  This award recognizes volunteers who are committed to helping others. There are several steps to achieve recognition for this award including verifying volunteer hours, serving ethically according to the standards of Bartels, and maintaining a database of volunteers to name a few.

“I could have waited until Susan accumulated more hours for the Silver or Gold level, as I’m sure she will hit that mark, but I wanted her to know just how much Bartels appreciates her and all of our volunteers and Bartels is proud to have dedicated, caring volunteers,” commented Ladage.

“Susan is a gentle and kind soul that brings the best out in our residents,” added Ladage. “Whenever she walks through the dining hall or a hallway I often hear, ‘that’s Sue Blair, she is sooooo nice.’ She always has a smile, helping hand, a hug or sometimes a set of muscles when it’s time to put tables away after a birthday bash. She is someone I can always count on. When you think of a volunteer, one thinks of her smiling face.”

Susan was overwhelmed with joy when presented the award and kept stating that she is benefitting just as much from the volunteering and the residents at Bartels give her so much joy.

To receive the Bronze level, adults must have 100-249 verified volunteer hours. The Silver level is 250-499, Gold level is 500-plus and Lifetime Achievement is 4,000-plus hours. There are other categories and lower hour thresholds for children, teens and young adults.

The letter from the White House Susan received stated, “The American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. I congratulate you on taking it upon yourself to contribute to the public good, and I’m proud to present you with the President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award in recognition of your 133.96 hours of service to this great Nation.

“Throughout our country’s history, the American story has been strengthened by those who combine an optimism about what can be with the resilience to turn that vision into reality. I know I’m not alone in recognizing that those who are willing to step up and volunteer in service of community and country are essential to the ongoing work of forming our more perfect union.

“By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face – solutions that we need now more than ever. We are living in a moment that calls for hope and light and love. Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another. Through your service, you are providing all three.”

Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community has many opportunities for volunteers and welcome anyone interested to reach out for more information. Ladage can be reached at 319-352-6988, kladage@bartelscommunity.org or on the website at bartelscommunity.org/volunteer/.

 

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