Dorothy Groth Honored as 2009 Volunteer of the Year

Dorothy Groth, volunteer, friend and tenant at the Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids, MN was recognized with the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award for District D at the 2009 Aging Services Institute in February.  The Volunteer of the Year Award is an Aging Services of Minnesota Distinguished Service Award designed to honor those who go above and beyond their ordinary duties to enhance the quality of life for seniors and for their communities.  Dorothy was nominated by several staff members for her compassion, loving spirit, positive attitude and willingness to serve unconditionally.   

Dorothy immediately began volunteering after moving to the Good Shepherd Community in 2005.  Over the years, Dorothy has taken on numerous volunteer roles and continues to volunteer more and more of her time.  Dorothy volunteers "to make someone else's day better by doing whatever I am able to do for them."       

Dorothy regularly volunteers at the Northern Delights Gift Shop, often filling in for others on short notice.  Twice a week she assists with breakfast at Shepherd Court and spends her mornings visiting and sharing stories with the tenants.  Dorothy is also part of the Shepherd's Watch program, which is a group of individuals that live by the mission that "Nobody Dies Alone" and are available twenty-four hours a day.  Dorothy helps in the worship area of the community chapel daily by providing assistance to residents, bringing residents to and from the chapel, and continuously tidying up the place.  Dorothy is very humble and does not seek recognition for her efforts.  Dorothy has said, "Volunteering is a part of my life and what keeps me going; I'm honored to be a part of volunteer services."  Congratulations to Dorothy for receiving this distinguished award.

Aging Services of Minnesota (formerly Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance) is Minnesota's largest association of aging services organizations. The 680+ members serve over 40,000 Minnesotans every day in settings across the continuum from their home to congregate housing to assisted living to care centers. 

Pictured: Dorothy Groth & Jodi Speicher, VP of Sales & Marketing