As residents of Wesley communities get their second dose of vaccines, volunteers have lovingly supported these efforts.
While Wesley team members coordinated with pharmacies to administer the vaccines, resident volunteers helped sign people in and some retired nurses observed people for side-effects afterward.
“This was a big day for the folks living here, and I was so happy to see all of their smiling eyes as they helped their friends and neighbors get their vaccines,” said TC Fraser, Campus Administrator of Bradley Park.
The mood was indeed uplifting as the volunteers chatted and laughed with their neighbors who received the Pfizer vaccine.
“We’re happy to help out and we just try to have fun,” said Pam, one retired nurse at Wesley Lea Hill who danced to lively music while checking on people after they’d been vaccinated.
“It was a great opportunity to get to see more of our neighbors,” said Lis, another resident volunteer living at Wesley Bradley Park.
While many of the same safety precautions remain in place, the vaccine allows Wesley to get one step closer to opening again. The vaccine clinics, which Wesley staff have worked hard to coordinate, have been a great success. The residents who volunteered were a huge support to their communities.
“Volunteerism is strong at Wesley, and we’re grateful residents with nursing experience were able to help during this process,” said Alex, Executive Director of Wesley Des Moines.
TC added, “We are blessed to have such amazing residents and staff!”
To date, all three campuses have held clinics for staff and residents to receive their second dose of the COVID vaccine. Our estimates have over 95% of Wesley residents and 70% or more employees have participated in at least one clinic.