Volunteer Wall of Fame
It takes a lot to be an Ombudsman Volunteer. It takes good communication skills, problem solving skills, patience, reliability, and most importantly, HEART.
Missouri has some outstanding volunteers that deserve some recognition for their dedication to one of Missouri’s most vulnerable populations.
LaRue McAllister is a retired RN of 30 years working in various fields of healthcare. She worked at the Missouri Veterans Home, Cape County Health Department, and finally ending up at SEMO Alliance of Disability Independence (SADI), where she spent seven years before retiring in 2014. Read more.
Linda Robbins has been serving the residents of Tiffany Springs Rehabilitation and Health Care since 2019. During her time of study and internship, she became connected with older adults through her work with Village Hospice. With this connection, Linda says, “was a confirmation that this work is much more than just the music.” Read more.
Rick Stephenson began his journey as an ombudsman in 2019. He served in two homes for a year and a half before COVID hit, and like all ombudsmen, was unable to visit his home. Rick continued to advocate by making calls and working with staff to set up virtual visits. When it was time to go back into homes, Rick didn't want to risk bringing COVID into the homes and harming residents, so he decided to retire. Read more.
Raeann Hatfield is an amazing advocate for the residents of Northwest Missouri. She goes above and beyond advocating for what the residents need. The residents love to see her when she comes because they know she will address any issue they have and get to the bottom of the problem. Read more.
Mike Hutchko is a volunteer at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg. He takes pride in serving fellow veterans, as he is a Vietnam Veteran and retired from the U.S. Air Force after a 21 year career. Read more.
Gail Bruce is an Ombudsman volunteer out of West Plains. She has a special place in her heart for the residents and is a strong advocate for them. "Advocating for those who cannot or do not know how to advocate for themselves is intensely satisfying and has enriched my life wonderfully," says Gail. Read more.
During the pandemic, Linda continued her advocacy by sending cards, calling, and doing outside visits with residents when she could. She is the epitome of perseverance and kindness. Read more.
Beckie Grasdorf has always had some involvement with long-term care and serving her community. From delivering meals and flowers, Beckie has always enjoyed visiting with the elderly and helping their families. Read more.
Vickie is a volunteer who demonstrates eagerness, excitement, and passion in her advocacy work and goes above and beyond for the residents at her assigned facility. Read more.
Before becoming a volunteer Ombudsman, Chuck Polleschultz had been unofficially dedicating his time to residents in long-term care, visiting them and providing companionship. Read more.
Dan Wilford is a Pillar of his Community. His goal is to deliver encouragement and help eight to ten people a day. Read more.
Barbara Zillner has been a volunteer ombudsman for six years. She feels she benefits most from the visits with residents as she thinks it is important that they know others care about their well-being. Read more.
Barbara Bastin says that volunteering makes her feel like she is making a difference in the lives of residents. Her goal is to memorize every residents name. She says you can see a difference in them when you call them by name. Read more.
Lew Pitchford has been volunteering at Columbia Manor Care Center since January 2003 and has made weekly visits without fail. Even with the limitations brought on by the current COVID-19 pandemic, Lew has still maintained his connection with residents. Read more.
David Shaw began volunteering for the Ombudsman Program in 2015. He is currently assigned to two nursing homes: Country Meadows and Maplebrook, both in St. Francois County. Read more.