Farmington Hills Resident Receives Angela Hospice Volunteer Award

Livonia-based Angela Hospice has honored Farmington Hills resident Nancy Schiffman as its volunteer of the year. 

“Nancy Schiffman is such a gift to Angela Hospice,” said Syndie Best, the hospice’s volunteer manager. “In addition to working her full time job, she has generously shared her time and talents with our patients and their families."

In just over three years, Schiffman has contributed 1,683 hours, working in many different areas, and has recently stepped into the role of mentor for new volunteers. "The many hours of service she has provided have enhanced the quality of life for so many of our patients and families. It is an honor to work with someone like her," Best said.

Each year during National Volunteer Week in April, the hospice holds a dinner to celebrate its base of 400 dedicated volunteers, who together contribute an amazing 35,000 hours a year to help patients and families.

Held this year at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Westland, the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner recognized Schiffman and volunteers who reached milestones of 5 years or 500 hours of service received special pins to commemorate their achievement. 

Other Farmington and Farmington Hills residents also received recognition at the banquet: Loretta Bruni for 5 years of service, Debbie Thams for 10 years, Johanna Ward for 5 years, Bart Wingblad for 10,000 service hours, Jan Hunt for 5 years, and Caryle Syme for 500 hours.

“It is a joy and privilege to work with this group,” said Best. “They are some of the most caring, dedicated, hard-working people I have ever met.”

Volunteers help in a multitude of ways at Angela Hospice – baking, gardening, delivering supplies, performing in the choir, serving meals, offering haircuts, giving massages, sorting mailings, helping with fundraisers and events, assisting family caregivers, providing companionship for patients, making funeral visits, crafting quilts and afghans, filing and copying, sitting with patients, helping with grief support groups, answering phones – doing whatever it takes to help make sure patients and families are well cared for.

“Truly, our volunteers are angels!” said Best.

To learn more, visit AskForAngela.com or call 734-464-7810.