Advancing Chaplaincy: Volunteer of the Month for Sept/Oct 2008
Name:
Virginia Yeager, CSJ
Work:
Vice President Mission/Director Pastoral Care/CPE Supervisor at Saint Francis Hospital, Charleston, WV
NACC member since:
1988
Volunteer service:
My volunteer involvement has been limited over the due to serious illness as well as being part time on my congregation’s leadership team for 10 years. I volunteer on two Boards: The SSJ Charitable Fund and the SSJ Health and Wellness Foundation. I volunteered on the Spirituality at End of Life Task Force for the state of West Virginia. My volunteer work with NACC over the years has included regional chair of certification, National Certification Commission and Grievance Committee
Book on your nightstand:
The Last Lecture, by Randy
Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow
Favorite spiritual resource:
Nature
Favorite fun self-care activity:
Golf, bike riding and reading
Favorite movie:
"Miss Congeniality"
Favorite retreat spot:
St. Joseph Center, Wheeling, WV
Why did you become a chaplain?
I took a summer unit of CPE and wanted to continue the formative process. This led to my becoming a chaplain and then a CPE supervisor.
What do you get from the NACC?
NACC has provided me with a way to stay current professionally with what is happening in the wider arena of spiritual care and CPE education. It provides networking with friends and colleagues as well as with other professionals in the field.
Why do you stay in the NACC?
For the same reasons as above. In addition, being in the only Catholic CPE center in the state, it helps me keep abreast of any changes in standards. NACC also helps me become aware of best practices in providing spiritual care for our patients and families.
Why do/did you volunteer?
I volunteer because I want to contribute my gifts to organizations that have given so much to me. I also volunteer because of wanting to join with other people in promoting the good of others. It also provides me with peer support.
What volunteer activity has been most rewarding?
Serving on the board of the Health and Wellness Foundation provided me an opportunity to learn about the healthcare needs of children in our rural communities. I am inspired by the commitment and dedication of people in small rural communities trying to make a difference in the lives of their children with very little help from state or local monies.
What have you learned from volunteering?
Volunteering is hard work, and a commitment of time that is only enjoyable when you believe in the purpose or mission of the activity, are willing to collaborate and function as part of a team, and are willing to think beyond your own self interests.
Take me back to the main Volunteers page.
