Page 51 - WEB VERSION 36

OUR PATIENTS

Volunteer to full-time

For three years, Ralph had lived at The Edgewood residences for low income people with AIDS
or symptomatic HIV. Mercy Care’s social workers coordinate support services for Edgewood
and had been encouraging him to stay busy and volunteer where he could make a difference.
He eventually took the staff’s advice and volunteered at Southface Energy Institute which
promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education and technical
assistance.
At Southface, Ralph planted fruits and vegetables for the summer and enjoyed it tremendously.
He was recognized as Volunteer of the Year at Southface for dedication and commitment to the
task. Southface later offered him a staff position assisting with registration and preparation for
classes. Ralph now works full time at Southface and no longer draws Social Security. He keeps
his appointments at the Veterans Administration and takes his medication.
Ralph stepped outside his comfort level to volunteer his time and make a difference. That step
made an impact on the world and changed his life.

Edgewood staff (left to right) Hazel Mitchell, resource specialist II, Frank Langston,
resource specialist III, and Patricia Johnson, social worker

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