Family Serving Family

Congratulations to Barbara (Barb) Irvin on receiving the honor of being selected as the Nebraska Nursing Facility Association’s Volunteer of the Year. She was recognized at the fall convention awards ceremony on September 21st in front of many of Nebraska’s health care professionals and leaders.

Barb has impacted many lives at Brookestone of Papillion. She has shown great leadership by coordinating activities for residents, volunteering her time and knowledge, and even creating a program as means of gifting for our residents to their loved ones. “The Gifted Gopher” was established when Barb recognized that residents may not always have the opportunity or funds to purchase items for themselves or loved ones. This can be especially hard on some when a special occasion arises. Barb reached out to staff members for donations of small items and then took it upon herself to collect and purchase additional items with her own money. Once per week the “gopher” travels door to door to see if residents are in need of any items. Barb has everything from greeting cards to jewelry and craft items. All of these items are completely free to Brookestone of Papillion residents.

“Simply put, Barbara Irvin loves Brookestone of Papillion. She contributes her time, money, and most importantly her caring heart to all those who reside here. She is always willing to jump right in and help somebody whether it is a resident or staff member.” said Caitlin Slagle Life Enrichment Assistant. “Every facility would be blessed to have someone like Barb Irvin as a volunteer.”