Barb Denham – June Volunteer in the Spotlight

When did you become a volunteer for FIA, and what volunteer positions have you chosen to do?

I started in the summer of 2013.  I love doing assessments of new care receivers. I am a retired RN.  I also do grocery shopping.

What brought you to FIA?

I am retired and wanted to help others especially seniors.

Who referred you?  What got you to contact us?

I looked up volunteer opportunities in Normal and FIA was a good fit for me.  The volunteer hours are flexible.

Had you been looking for an opportunity to volunteer?

Yes

Have you lived in the area long? Other places you have lived?

We have lived here for 7 years.  I grew up in the Southside of Chicago and we retired in 2008 to our dream home near the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.  We moved to this area to babysit our grandchildren, ages 7 and 4.

Where did you go to school?

Morgan Park High School in Chicago then Moraine Valley Community College.

Jobs/ Careers?

I worked as an RN in a hospital near Chicago for 20 years.

Hobbies/ Past times/ Passions?

I make stained glass windows, like to garden, read and crochet.  We love to be with our grandchildren and play.

Family/ Pets?

My great husband, Dave, who is a long-time hospice volunteer.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

I feel badly about not being able to volunteer currently due to the risk of infecting my grandchildren.

Anything unique or unusual about yourself you would like to share?

I love the beach and the Gulf and miss it….. but family is better than the beach!