For Current Volunteers

Endah Smith- Patient & Administrative Support

I have been volunteering at Houston Methodist Hospital for a year now.  I started as a volunteer at the nurse’s station on the Jones 10 unit.  After a few months of volunteering on Jones 10, there were opportunities to volunteer on Fondren 8 and OPC 16 Cardiac Rehab to do administrative assignments which I took right away.  This opportunity helped me to see what I like to do, and I was having fun at the same time. Although I am a long-term volunteer on OPC 16, I am always looking for a chance to do short term assignments for other departments as well.

I feel so blessed that I am given this opportunity to be a part of the volunteer community at Houston Methodist Hospital to help departments get tasks done that otherwise may not happen due to competing priorities. The biggest moments for me are when I have opportunities to help patients and families needing help finding the right building, the right elevator, etc. Listening to patients tell each other how thankful they are for the help, and how nice everybody is, makes me happy that I am truly helping, and makes me proud to be a part of the volunteer community.

My advice for new volunteers is to not limit yourself to just one area or assignment. Instead, try a lot of assignments, as this will help you figure out what you would like to do best and enjoy every moment of it.

Tony Robles- Guest Express Driver

I have been a volunteer for approximately 3 years. I am a Guest Express driver on Fridays.  Being a driver has been a very interesting experience.  I get to meet people from all over the United States and the world.  With 8 years in the military and 35 years at IBM, I was always in a position to help people.  I enjoy talking to people and helping people get to wherever they need to get to in the Houston Methodist complex.  I never realized how important the Guest Express driver position was until I started doing it.  I try to treat everyone like family.  Almost all of the people that I help tell me everything they are going through.  I feel I help everyone just by listening.  I try to help everyone laugh or smile.  By doing this, I feel I am helping to get their mind off the pain or struggle they are going through.  I continue to volunteer because it is a blessing for me. I advise future volunteers is to treat everyone like family and to do your best to always smile.

Emergency Preparation Information

The safety of our volunteers at Houston Methodist Hospital is of utmost importance.  In the event of an emergency, the Houston Methodist Volunteer Services department will be in contact with all volunteers.  In the event of natural disasters, inclement weather, etc., please stay at home when possible. Please make sure you know a safe route driving to and from our hospital. Please do not venture out of your homes to report to your volunteer assignment when it is unsafe to do so.  A good point to remember: If the schools are closed in the local area, volunteers are also encouraged to stay home.