Paradigm volunteers are an essential part of our care teams and assist with enriching every day for a patient. As an invaluable resource, they bring a friendly smile, warm conversation, a hand to hold or offer a welcome respite family. To learn more about becoming a Paradigm volunteer, visit our Volunteer page.
Jesus G.
Zionsville High School senior and member of the track/cross country team, Jesus Garcia, has been a volunteer with Paradigm health since 2019. He shares his desire to help in his own community and develop his social skills led him to a rewarding volunteer experience. Paradigm Health is lucky to have such a compassionate and caring volunteer bring joy to their patients and their families.
Q: How did you first hear about Paradigm Health?
JG: About a year ago I started looking into available opportunities to volunteer. I consider myself a bit of an introvert. I figured this was a great way to meet new people, develop my social skills, build new relationships, and hopefully make a difference. I started off volunteering at a public library organizing and tidying up the books. It was a good feeling to help out, but I didn’t feel that this was making much of an impact for others in my community.
Q: How did you hear about volunteering opportunities at Paradigm Health and do you volunteer with any other organizations?
JG: I started my volunteer search and found a website that matches individuals to volunteer openings based on their personal interests. I filled out the questionnaire through Volunteer Match and was connected with several community opportunities. One of those was Paradigm Health and it seemed just right for me. I was surprised that there were so many ways someone can contribute their time to be of aid or assistance to others. My stepdad encouraged me to look into the Paradigm Health volunteer opportunity. He is a physician and he has also volunteered in a hospice facility. He shared his experiences, what he had learned, and how it made an impact in his life.
Q: How have you adapted to “volunteering from a distance” and what types of projects have you worked on?
JG: COVID-19 came as a big surprise to all of us. Unfortunately, we were forced to make many changes in our way of living in order to stay healthy and keep others safe. Volunteering during this time has not been accessible since most of my volunteering is in direct contact with the patients. But, Paradigm’s Volunteer Coordinator Rockea Bell had a great idea. She delivered a box with lots of blank cards and art supplies to create hand-made greeting cards with a special message for patients. I have never done a project like this but to be honest my sisters and I really enjoyed it.
Q: What have you found most rewarding by volunteering with Paradigm?
JG: Volunteering for Paradigm Health is very rewarding. I have learned to be more grateful and appreciate life. It makes me think about the meaning of life. I have also made special connections with the patients and staff I interact with. I met many great people who have helped me understand the importance of how genuine hospice volunteering can make a difference in patients’ lives. After COVID-19 is over or there are fewer restrictions, I am looking forward to interacting more with patients. I want to get to know them more and know what brings each patient a smile and how I can bring some form of comfort. I want to bring motivation and encouragement for us to celebrate a new day of life. I know that these experiences will definitely stay with me forever and remind me to appreciate my life and the life of others.
