For the month of May, Adam White has been volunteering at Tsiionkwanonhso:te (Long Term Care Facility) on Kawehnoke. His role as student volunteer made him a vital member of the Recreation and Leisure program. Adam assisted the R&L aides while implementing programs for the Residents. He has made such a good impression that at their monthly Resident council meeting, Residents requested Adam spend more time at Tsiionkwanonhso:te!

Adam is one of three children, his parents are Robert & Lesia White. When asked why he wanted to volunteer at Tsiionkwanonhso:te, Adam admitted that the facility is close to home and he needed to complete the student volunteer component in order to graduate. Adam is a senior student at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Cornwall, ON. His future looks promising! Adam is planning to return for one more year of secondary school and after graduation is looking at post-secondary studies in Accounting. He is also looking to find a school with a good baseball program.

Adam has played baseball for the past ten years. He enjoys pitching, and when needed, he has played any position. His team, the Cornwall Black Sox, went to the Provincials and Adam played second, third and right field. Other highlights include going to New Brunswick two years ago to play in the Nationals, and recently he was awarded the Lions Club baseball award: ‘Best Player Person Award’.

As with all new ventures, Adam had concerns about his student placement in this new environment. Having a special Elder in his own family helped to alleviate some fears, but he was concerned that Residents would not like him! Orientation and training for student volunteers is necessary, and they are also supervised at all times. If volunteers are present at mealtimes, they are welcome to sit with Residents and eat. Adam stated that within a couple of visits he was comfortable with his new environment, the routine and especially the Residents.

“It is important to spend enough time with them (Residents); to have fun and make new friends.” States Adam. “ Everyone (staff, Residents) is friendly here!”

Adam was surprised when asked by an individual to ‘take me Home’. Now he understands that Residents actually mean ‘to their room’ and that Tsiionkwanonhso:te is their Home.

Thank you, Adam! We appreciate your interest in our folks and spending time to get to know them! We look forward to seeing you again.

Tsiionkwanonhso:te welcomes volunteers of all ages. Individuals work with a ‘vulnerable population’ so rules dictate each person have their immunization records up-to-date, a clear Criminal Reference Check (or letter of Reference for persons under 18 years of age), a signed Pledge of Confidentiality, and a completed volunteer application to help with task assignments.

If you would like more information, contact Teresa David, volunteer coordinator at f:friends of Tsiionkwanonhso:te; or teresa.david@akwesasne.ca; or 613.932.1409 ext. 4_ext.3.