Pictured (L-R): St. Anthony Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Whitney Hinners and 2022 Volunteer of the Year JoAnn Brincks
JoAnn Brincks has been named the 2022 Volunteer of the Year at the St. Anthony Hospice Volunteer Appreciation dinner, held earlier this week. The event celebrated the 13 hospice volunteers who offer support and companionship to patients and families facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. Hospice volunteers assist in various ways, including reading, praying, and spending time with patients by their bedsides. These volunteers also help with fundraising events and awareness campaigns throughout the year. Brincks served 33.25 hours in 2022, offering respite care and direct companionship to multiple hospice patients. Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Whitney Hinners says, “JoAnn has been flexible, engaged, committed, and has offered a listening ear and encouragement as she communicates with the patients and families she has served. JoAnn is always one to respond when someone is in need; she is truly meant for this.” Brincks says, “Doing hospice has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. God is good, and I never feel tired, even after long hours. Some jobs have been more of a challenge but still so rewarding. When I chose nursing to be my career, it was the right choice. I was made to care for people to support them in time of need.”