]]> http://texomahealth.org/donations/feed/ 0 http://texomahealth.org/volunteer-service-award-recipient-announced/ http://texomahealth.org/volunteer-service-award-recipient-announced/#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:12:46 +0000 Lemming http://texomahealth.org/?p=1897 The Texoma Health Foundation’s Reba’s Ranch House kicked off National Volunteer Week by announcing the creation of the Annual Betty Holland Service Award during a luncheon  honoring their volunteers.  The award was established this year in honor of a special 91 year old who has volunteered at Reba’s Ranch House every week since the House opened twenty years ago this year.

She is loved by the Foundation and Reba’s Ranch House staff and known for her wonderful ability to tell stories and make others feel special.
Families staying at the Ranch House while waiting on a child to be born in an area hospital often receive a pair of knitted baby booties and cap that Betty has made during their stay. Knitted wash cloths are also a common gift that she openly gives to guests, staff and volunteers whenever she can.
Two Austin College students, who picked Reba’s Ranch House for a Jan-term Independent Study spent time with Betty as part of their education of nonprofit work. “Two of our youngest volunteers learning from our most dedicated and experienced volunteer is so rewarding to watch,” said Michelle Lemming, THF CEO. “They finished their study encouraged and inspired by Betty, just as we all have been.”

To recognize the creation of the Annual Reba’s Ranch House Volunteer Award named in honor of Betty, THF Board Member, Jared Johnson presented her a personalized and autographed plaque from Reba as a thank you for her years of service. Betty talked about how excited she was to get to meet Reba at the Ribbon Cutting for the new Reba’s Ranch House in 2010, and how much she admires Reba’s character and dedication to the House for all of these years.

“What a special feeling to have someone give so selflessly as a volunteer for all of these years. Betty represents the care and service to others that this House is all about,” said Reba’s Ranch House Director, Marilyn Bice.

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Reba’s Ranch House is a project of the Texoma Health Foundation. The House serves families visiting loved ones in area hospitals by providing a home-away-home. The House has twelve private guest rooms and shared living quarters including a full kitchen, playroom and library. Thanks to local churches participating in meal ministries, the House also provides warm meals each week to guests.

Click on a thumbnail below to watch the interviews with Betty Holland.

Betty begins volunteering at RRH

Betty talks about Reba

Betty remembers guests

In 2010 a new and expanded Reba’s Ranch House opened its doors to the community continuing a 20-year legacy of providing a safe haven and comfort to over 29,000 guests who found refuge in times of crisis through its doors.   The Ranch House is available to relatives needing to be close to a loved one in the hospital or receiving home hospice care.

To arrange a stay at the Ranch House, Hospital staff may call  903-463-REBA  to check availability.   Rooms are limited to one room per patient family.

TMC’s Art for the Heart in partnership with the Texoma Health Foundation was held the last week in Feburary to increase awareness of heart disease, as well as raise funds to benefit the American Heart Association and local projects supporting prevention and education. Volunteers of the Texoma Health Foundation worked to pull together the silent auction that included art pieces from local artists, and $4,235 was raised for the cause. Funds will be distributed by the Event Committee to the American Heart Association and local projects!

A special thank you to all who came to support this year’s event, the TMC staff that pulled together a beautiful setting, great food and entertainment, our many volunteers and the numerous partners that all helped create a successful evening!

Denison, Texas

Fifteen tables were set up throughout THF’s Reba’s Ranch House and Foundation offices highlighting services that were made possible due to financial support from the Foundation. Demonstrations represented over $8 million distributed by the Foundation since inception as an independent health foundation in 2007.

“This is the first time that we have brought together all of our projects and programs in one place”, said THF President and CEO, Michelle Lemming. “The Foundation is so diverse in respect to both funding and activities that we wanted to try to create an event that would allow our partners, volunteers and donors to better see how they fit within THF’s larger purpose of improving health for our four-county service area. Having just released this year’s annual report to the community, we felt this would be a nice way to build upon the report and physically bring together the projects that are highlighted”.

One of the more popular displays included a new water rescue boat, diving equipment and rig, along with one of two ambulances parked in front of the Reba’s Ranch House. All were purchased by THF through a community grant to the City of Denison. Other grantee displays included projects helping providers care for the under and uninsured by assisting in the cost of rehabilitative services, hospice care, family counseling, clinical and hospital care. Several booths highlighted THF’s priority to support the Texoma area’s nursing workforce. These included projects at Grayson County College, ECU at Southeastern and a project with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Two projects highlighted THF’s efforts to improve health education including a childhood and family obesity project through the Boys and Girls Club, as well as scholarships for local children with diabetes to attend a summer diabetic camp. Projects managed by THF were also highlighted and included family endowments and funds held by the Foundation to support community health, THF’s Breast Cancer Committee’s 500 Strong Campaign and survivor support group, as well as the Foundation’s Reba’s Ranch House.

“This is such a special time for us to be together with friends and partners and pay tribute to the hard work of our grantees and THF projects”, said Kay Skelton, THF Board Chairman. “THF would not have such a significant impact if it were not for our many donors and volunteers, along with the work of our grantee partners. We are so proud of the work that they are doing to benefit our communities.”

In addition to operating the Reba’s Ranch House, THF manages an annual community grants cycle, assists area healthcare providers in covering the cost of under and uninsured care, manages special donor projects and oversees a breast cancer financial assistance program for residents fighting breast cancer. To learn more visit www.texomahealth.org.

Guest Room Number Six was carefully selected by Michael to be named “In Loving Memory of Rebekah F. Arnold”. The room now includes one of Rebekah’s favorite art pieces painted by her Uncle, along with a letter written to her from Michael. Memories shared of Rebekah included her warm smile, caring spirit, strong courage and the Christian example that she set for her family. Michael shared that he chose the Reba’s Ranch House, because “I believe that Rebekah would have loved this place. She would have connected to the comfort it brings to families supporting their loved ones in times of sickness and she has always admired Reba’s strength and character. It just seems perfect for her”.

Fresh flowers fill Rebekah’s room given to the family from Reba and a thank you card was written by a special family of guests who spent Christmas at Reba’s Ranch House. This morning that same family, who gained inspiration from the Arnolds, was awakened to learn of the loss of their own Mother.

Today Reba’s Ranch House was filled with cherished memories of two special women and our day ended with all of us present being added to the list of lives touched by Rebekah R. Arnold.’

IN LOVING MEMORY

REBEKAH F. ARNOLD

MAY 12, 1958 – DECEMBER 28, 2010