Roz Frabotta Earns "Excellence in Volunteer Service" Award
BY: Laurie Henrichsen
CATEGORY: News and Community; Volunteers
At its Annual Conference in Columbus,
LeadingAge Ohio presented Hospice of the Western Reserve volunteer Roz Frabotta with its Excellence in Volunteer Service award. The nonprofit organization represents approximately 500 Ohio healthcare organizations, hospices, healthcare and housing services in more than 150 cities.
"Roz is one of our most versatile volunteers," said Director of Volunteer Services Lisa Scotese Gallagher. "There isn't anything she won't do. She meets families and patients wherever they are and provides unconditional love and support."
Frabotta, a resident of Timberlake in Lake County, has volunteered since 2007 in countless roles. She regularly visits patients at Hospice of the Western Reserve's David Simpson Hospice House, offering compassionate, hands-on care that enhances comfort, provides companionship and celebrates the dignity of each person she touches.
"We're grateful to LeadingAge Ohio for recognizing Roz's commitment to the mission and deeper work of hospice," said Hospice of the Western Reserve President and CEO Bill Finn. "In everything she does, Roz brings out this incredible passion and love for our patients and families."
Recently, Frabotta assisted a patient who required regular dedicated feedings. She not only arrived each morning to feed the patient breakfast, but went to work planning a Hawaiian beach-themed party. The patient, sporting a Hawaiian shirt, leis and sunglasses, was wheeled in his bed to an outdoor patio to enjoy the sunshine and a buffet of homemade cookies, cakes, fruit and soft drinks. It was the first time he had been outdoors in five months.
Frabotta is instrumental in mentoring new volunteers, and is active in community outreach for Hospice of the Western Reserve. She volunteers at Together We Can, a children's grief support camp, serves as a panelist and presenter in volunteer education classes, and presents to service organizations and schools.