Page 6 - September 2020 Ulupono

"We Love What We Do!"
By Jesse Seibel Director of Mission and Spiritual Care
Over 20 years ago, Audrey Wong received a call from a friend, "What are you doing? Can you help for a little while?" Today she is still helping, distributing food in Waimanalo in partnership with the Hawaii Food Bank. Twice a month, she and her volunteers sort, pack and load boxes of food for up to 300 families.
"This takes me back to my childhood," Aunty Audrey shares, "and reminds me of what is important. We need to malama each other."
Aunty Audrey is not alone. Her team of volunteers are diverse in age, situation, and background. Some come as individuals on their day off. Others come with their families to serve together. Since April, Adventist Health Castle associates have volunteered with other organizations like
Raethel meets with United States Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams
Representing the federal government, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams was recently in Hawai'i to assist as the state struggles to prepare for the impacts of the increase in COVID-19 cases on O'ahu.
Kinai `Eha, an alternative education option for youth.
As COVID 19 has caused continued shutdowns, the need each week seems to grow. Cars are lined up early in the morning, some waiting for hours before the distribution begins. Seniors are able to preregister for special boxes, and each family can receive anywhere from 50-70 lbs. of food. While some of the items are boxed and canned, there is often a great
Aloha Steve Bovey
Quality Supervisor Steve Bovey said aloha to Adventist Health Castle at the end of August after 37 years of service.
Steve began his career at Castle in 1983 as a counselor for the medical center's Alcohol and Addictions Program. In 1992 he joined the Education and Training Department before joining Quality Resources as the SHARE coordinator.
While Adams was on O'ahu, Kathy Raethel, President of Adventist Health Castle, met with the Surgeon General who expressed interest in learning about Castle’s efforts related to the coronavirus and accomplish- ments the hospital has made.
“It was a pleasure meeting with the Surgeon General,” Raethel said. “I was impressed that he kept his mask on during our meeting—a reminder that we all need to do our part to stop the spread.”
supply of fresh and local produce.
If you or someone you know is in need, please stop by Waimanalo District Park (Gymnasium) every 1st and 3rd Monday, from 12-2 p.m.
As Aunty Audrey says, "Just come and try it out. We love what we do. We are smiling, talking, laughing and making friends." If you come, you will want to stay awhile!
In 1998 he became the Quality Improve- ment Coordinator and in 2016 accepted the role of Quality Supervisor.
Steve was instrumental in Adventist Health Castle earning the 2017 Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award, a Presidential-level honor, recognizing exemplary practices.
Castle is the only hospital in Hawai'i to receive the award.
Aunty Audrey Wong (far right) and her long-time volunteers (from left) Leon and Reina Ayala and Ipo Kepa.
6 | ULUPONO - SEPTEMBER 2020
U.S. .Surgeon General Jerome Adams with President Kathy Raethel.