Grace Stoltze Award Honoring 10 Year Volunteer - Rebecca Erickson

On April 27, 2022 the agency held its annual meeting where we were excited to announce 10-year volunteer, Rebecca Erickson, as the 2021 Grace B. Stoltze awardee. Over the last decade, Rebecca has supported the FamilyMeans Caregiving & Aging program in many ways. From leading song and dance at the Day Out! group respite program, to providing one on one in-home respite to care receivers with memory loss. Both roles require much patience, compassion, and a sense of humor - all of which Rebecca seems to hold with ease and grace.  

One Day Out! Caregiver wrote:

Words can’t express how grateful I am for the Day Out! program and especially for you (Rebecca). It is clear that you understand what my husband needs to enjoy his day. While he did not want to come at first, now each week he looks forward to spending time with you and the group. Being tuned in to his needs helps me enjoy my day that much more.

In the past 10 years, Rebecca has volunteered over 3,000 hours! Though this quantity of time is truly remarkable, we are even more awestruck at the quality of service that she provides. From taking the lead in pivoting from in-person group respite to virtual, to stepping up to help hand deliver special gift baskets (and a doorstep song) when social distancing was required, or using her personal time to establish fun weekly themes and materials, Rebecca truly represents everything that is a Grace Stoltze Award recipient. What a well-deserved honor!