By Susan Stone

Almost every week for the last four years, Stephanie Williams has been brightening the lives of residents in the health care center at Lake Prince Woods retirement community as a volunteer.

“My grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease and lived in a nursing home, but for me to volunteer in a nursing facility was really stepping out of my comfort zone,” Stephanie said.

“I can’t say enough good things about Stephanie,” Healthcare Activity Director Stephanie Lohr said. “She is very dependable and has assisted in any way I’ve asked. She’s always smiling and friendly and the residents love her.”

Stephanie Williams volunteers in all three healthcare areas: assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Assisting with games is one of her favorite activities. In the summer months she often is paired with a student in the Junior Volunteer program and helps them get to know the residents and routines.

When asked what she would tell others considering volunteering in a long-term care facility, she said, “Remember, the residents are people who have had a full life before coming to live here. They love to talk about their past and share good memories. It’s important to remember their life was once different than it is now.”

Williams also enjoys relating to younger generations as a substitute teacher at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.

For more information about volunteering at Lake Prince Woods, contact Lohr at 923-5544 or at slohr@uchas.org.