At The Danish Home of Chicago, the Volunteer Corps is committed to creating a lasting impact on the community and residents themselves. Through offering both practical support and personal connections, volunteers engage with residents through activities, shared stories, and simply lending a listening ear, all while fostering meaningful relationships that enrich the lives of residents. These connections not only enhance the residents’ well-being but also contribute to a vibrant, supportive community at The Danish Home.

 

The roots of The Danish Home’s Volunteer Corps trace back to the Women’s Auxiliary, which began its volunteer efforts in 1958. Established to support the social well-being of residents and improve their quality of life, the Women’s Auxiliary is dedicated to raising funds, organizing events, and providing volunteer opportunities. Composed of 21 board members and over 200 volunteers, the group has played a key role in The Danish Home’s legacy of enriching the lives of older adults, their families, and the broader community. 

 

As the community’s needs grew, the Women’s Auxiliary expanded its focus, leading to the creation of the Volunteer Corps as an adjunct entity. This additional group was created with the intent to foster greater volunteer engagement across a diverse spectrum of groups, including men, school organizations, scout troops, churches, and others who might not traditionally join the Women’s Auxiliary. Today, the Volunteer Corps continues to thrive, offering individuals meaningful opportunities to make a direct impact on the lives of residents and advance The Danish Home’s mission.

 

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has made significant strides in contributing to The Danish Home of Chicago’s vibrant community life. Located in the historic neighborhood of Norwood Park, the Volunteer Corps, led by Kimberly Wojack and Susan Keller, consists of seven dedicated individuals who support a wide range of activities. While members volunteer at major community events, they also enhance the well-being of residents through various tasks, including providing hands-on assistance during venue outings, aiding in resident games and activities, and contributing to other pursuits in which the community needs assistance.

 

“Our volunteers have an extraordinary impact on our community and our residents,” said Scott Swanson, President and CEO of The Danish Home of Chicago. “They provide not only supportive assistance but also emotional support, helping residents thrive in a warm and welcoming environment.”

 

While volunteer work at The Danish Home enriches the lives of residents and the community itself, it also honors the Danish tradition of caring for elders. Rooted in a culture that deeply values respect and support for seniors, the Volunteer Corps plays a vital role in fulfilling this mission. This commitment to elder care is at the heart of The Danish Home’s mission, ensuring residents are supported in ways that reflect the values of respect, compassion, and care for the elderly.

 

“Senior volunteer work is unique,” says Susan. “People fall in love with the residents, the Danish community, the food, the feeling. Volunteering is part of Danish culture.”

 

While many volunteers are family members, friends, and long-time community members, Kimberly and Susan emphasize the importance of reaching beyond the immediate community to inspire others to join. They highlight the profound impact of volunteer work on not only the residents and the community but also the remarkable impact it has on the volunteers themselves, creating a deeper sense of connection and purpose.

 

“This work is very rewarding for the volunteers. it is impactful to be with people, to meet people, and to learn about new people, all while doing good for others and passing that on,” says Kimberly. “You get to know the sweetest people on a personal level. These people are amazing and have had amazing lives, which you wouldn’t have known if you didn’t volunteer.”

 

​​As part of its ongoing evolution, the Volunteer Corps has embraced modern technology to streamline volunteer efforts. The days of manually coordinating schedules and assignments are now behind them, as the team utilizes online tools such as SignUpGenius to organize volunteer shifts efficiently and effectively. This shift to digital sign-ups has made it easier for volunteers to get involved, providing a more accessible and flexible way to support the community while keeping the process organized and transparent.

 

Looking ahead, the Volunteer Corps at The Danish Home is focused on engaging the next generation by reaching out to local high schools, to ensure that every resident’s request for assistance is met. By expanding the volunteer base, The Danish Home aims to create a sustainable, thriving community where residents always feel supported.

 

“We hope we are role models for the future generation,” Kimberly and Susan state. “Volunteering makes us feel good, and it goes a long way.” 

 

For more information about the Volunteer Corps, please contact:

Susan Keller at skeller2556@gmail.com 

Kimberly Wojack at kjwojack443@gmail.com.