In honor of April as National Volunteer Month, the Area Agency on Aging Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Inc., in partnership with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, recognized volunteers of the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program in Palm Beach County.
On Friday, March 14, volunteers joined SHINE program staff for a luncheon in appreciation of their strong commitment to providing services to Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers and their family members.
As trained SHINE volunteers, they serve their community by providing Medicare and health insurance information through free and unbiased counseling in person or over the telephone.
From April 2013 through March 2014, organization volunteers donated 5,912 hours to counsel approximately 6,000 clients seeking one-on-one assistance from a SHINE counselor.
Additionally, volunteers and staff spent 830 hours to provide 210 outreach activities and educational events.
“Thank you for providing me such an inspiring example of the spirit of volunteerism, I’ve always admired your generosity and the resolve you exhibit on behalf of our clients,” staff member Jennifer Vander May told the gathered volunteers as she recognized their dedication to serving others in the community.
Volunteering with SHINE will not only help you gain an understanding of the complex world of Medicare for yourself or your loved ones, but it will also empower you to help others in the community.
For more information on how to become a volunteer, or for a SHINE counseling appointment, call the local Helpline at (866) 684-5885, or call SHINE Liaison Samantha Howell at (561) 684-5885.
ABOVE: (L-R) Jennifer Vander May, Sally Hamerman, Manny Athavale, Francine Bryant, Jackie Bassie, Samantha Howell, Beverly Ennis, Sheila Shaffran, Dean Boyce and Barbara Jaindl.
