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Mercy Hospital Names 2007 Volunteer Of The Year

Port Huron, MI…At its Volunteer Appreciation banquet held in April, Mercy Hospital announced its Volunteer of the Year – Julia Erb of Kimball Township. “I feel directed toward what I do by the Lord,” comments Erb, a Mercy Auxiliary Volunteer Organization (MAVO) member since 2005. “I’m spiritually connected to providing this ministry.

For her dedication and devotion to the patients she serves through the Mercy Spiritual Care Department, Erb was so named the 2007 outstanding volunteer. Erb is most readily found providing Eucharistic Ministry services to patients on weekends at Mercy. “I like to work on back-to-back days,” explains Erb. “It provides me with the opportunity to get to know the patients I’m serving.”

Erb, who is 84, lives with her husband Edward and enjoys time with her 6 children, 20 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. She is an active member of St. Stephen Parish in Port Huron Township.

“The work I do is very moving,” Erb continues. “Often, after praying with a patient, I feel so joyous my feet don’t touch the ground. Other times I leave heavy-hearted and filled with a patient’s sorrow. Both of these experiences make my volunteer work meaningful and extremely important in the lives of those I serve.”

Erb was among five other volunteers nominated for the 2007 award. Nominees include: Jim Opferman, Fort Gratiot; Ardine Faucett, Kimball Township; Doris Martenson, Port Huron; Barb Heinen, St. Clair; and Bernie Lee, St. Clair.

“Mercy Hospital is proud that such a dedicated group of individuals provides care and service to our patients,” comments Peter Karadjoff, Mercy Hospital president and CEO. “Our work, our lives and our mission are greatly enhanced through the commitment of these important individuals.”

For Erb, it’s just a matter of reaching out to serve others. She is often called upon to fill in where there is a special need and patients often remark about Erb after she’s visited with them, making her work very important in Mercy’s philosophy of healing body, mind and spirit.

For more information on how you can become a Mercy Hospital volunteer or for more information regarding the Mercy Auxiliary Volunteer Organization (MAVO), please contact Cindy Henrion at (810) 985-1674.

Photo Caption: Julia Erb of Kimball Township was named the Mercy Hospital Volunteer of the Year at a volunteer recognition and celebration dinner held in April.