Looking Ahead: Alice Grimes Receives RSVP Outstanding Volunteer Award

Red Cross CEO Patricia Waldinger with Alice Grimes

Additional Information

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Fall 2009 Newsletter & Annual Program Report July 2008 - June 2009

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Alice Grimes, 60 of Pittsburgh (Oakland), received the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Allegheny County Outstanding Volunteer in Senior Service Award. Ms. Grimes volunteers at Ursuline Senior Services for its Senior Reassurance Program. On hand to help recognize our volunteer was Master of Ceremonies and Ursuline Board Member Bob O’Connor of Coventry/Health America which provides annual sponsorship support to the RSVP event.

This dedicated volunteer makes “telephone reassurance calls” to homebound seniors on a daily basis. According to her nominator, “We believe one of the amazing things about Alice is her indomitable spirit. In spite of her own physical issues, she continues to reach out to those in need. She serves humbly, listening and caring unconditionally.”

Over the past eleven years, including most recently under Ursuline Senior Services’ direction of the program, Alice has made daily calls to at least one Senior Reassurance client, sometimes two or three at a time! Alice was so reliable to the program that she was periodically asked to take emergency calls, from other volunteers who could not reach their assigned client, when the normally assigned staff person was unavailable.

When asked about why she thinks it’s important to volunteer Alice smiles and says, “A person to listen to one’s thoughts is a precious gift and I feel good being that gift to those who need a call. Just listening to someone express their thoughts, frustrations, aches and pains or even joys, and having them know that I care unconditionally, makes my endeavors rewarding and worthwhile.”