Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics (SORCC)

Local Features

 VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics

    Veteran is Fondly Remembered for his Big Heart and Compassion Toward Others.

 

On June 27^th, the Volunteer Caregiver Support Program lost a very special Veteran, Roy Bailey, former Navy Veteran and Army Reservist member. Sarah Wolverton, volunteer from the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics (VA SORCC) had dedicated the last 3 years to Roy, whom she visited once a week at his retirement home in Central Point. Although there to visit Roy, he liked to share Sarah’s visits with the other residents. Sarah enjoyed mingling with Roy’s acquaintances and they kept her informed of the goings on in their small community.

“She plays Yatzee and we discuss things. She is here because she wants to be, not because she has to”. Roy Bailey, Veteran

 Sarah once said, “There is nothing Roy and I didn’t talk about”. Discussions about poetry, history, current events, art & music, philosophy, economics, health and family were all common topics, and this would take place during their ongoing Yatzee competition. She admired Roy because “he had a big heart and was compassionate toward his fellow neighbors who were facing major challenges such as depression, health issues, immobility and isolation.” Sarah shared her admiration for Roy who often tried to introduce the other residents to hobbies such as building airplane models, collecting stamps, and wood carving to help improve their wellbeing.

Sarah saw Roy through some tough times; serious health problems caused him to move several times in the past three years, but despite the direction his life was taking him, Sarah remained a consistent friendly visitor. Roy once remarked about Sarah that “She is here because she wants to be, not because she has to”.

Sarah joined the Volunteer Caregiver Support Program (VCSP) after her cousin, who served in Afghanistan, was seriously injured. She was inspired by the “good care he got at Walter Reed Military Hospital, and by the outpouring of support from the medical staff and volunteers who cared for him”. Since she couldn’t be at her cousin’s side to help him recover, she decided to give back to Veterans in her own community as a way to honor his service. Roy appreciated and understood Sarah’s call to volunteerism. Throughout his life, he provided hundreds of hours of his time volunteering at the Southern Historical Society, at the local library, and as a helper in the classrooms of his grandchildren to name a few places.

A few months ago, Roy thanked the VA SORCC for this program saying “It means a lot to folks like us”. As for Sarah, “I hope she keeps doing what she is doing.” She is a seasoned volunteer at the age of 43, and thanks her husband who is supportive of her participation in the VCSP program.

 If you would like to learn more about the VCSP Program as a Veteran seeking a volunteer or as a volunteer wishing to make visits to older Veterans. Please contact Jessica Majano in the VA SORCC Voluntary Services Dept. at 541-826-2111 x7467 or Annelise Weston, LCSW at 541-826-2111 x3935.

By Annelise Weston

VA SORCC Need Volunteer Drivers

 

Do you like to drive? Do you like to help others? Then the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics (VA SORCC) needs YOU! The VA SORCC is looking for dedicated community members to serve as volunteer drivers to transport Veterans to VA appointments and an opportunity for you to support the men and women who served our country. Volunteer drivers are also needed throughout the VA SORCC in the following catchment areas:

• Medford • Grants Pass • Klamath Falls • Applegate • Cave Junction

In addition to benefitting from serving the needs of our Veterans, volunteer drivers receive free flu shots, access to training classes, and a free lunch.  Hours vary, but you can choose the days and times to volunteer that work best for your schedule. To qualify as a volunteer driver, candidates must pass a background check and a physical, have a current Oregon driver’s license and private auto insurance, and complete a volunteer orientation and annual training. Community members who are interested in serving as a volunteer driver to support the needs of VA SORCC Veterans should contact Voluntary Service at (541) 830-7467, or via e-mail at Jessica.Wierleske@va.gov