Ohio’s Hospice official enjoys helping others

A graduate of Troy High School and Bowling Green State University, Shrake joined the nonprofit hospice organization in September.

She started with a eye on a career as a teacher, following in the footsteps of both her mother and grandmother, obtaining a degree in communications education

After five years in West Virginia as youth director at a Methodist Church, she returned to Troy, where she worked in local radio in Piqua and Troy before moving into nonprofit roles in organizations, including those that work with youth. The roles included more than seven years at the downtown Troy Rec, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, the Community Blood Center and Goodwill.

“I like feeling like I am doing something to help people,” she said.

Her work at the nonprofit Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County includes recruiting and training volunteers and filling requests by patients, families and care team members for someone to stay with a patient or help with another need. The recruiting process includes an application and background and reference checks.

“We have to talk about patient confidentiality and what hospice does,” Shrake said.

She also keeps track of volunteers, services and hours. The local hospice has round 120 volunteers offering an array of services. Volunteers can help with patients and/or assist in the office with tasks such as data entry, mailing or making phone calls.

Among volunteer opportunities are deliveries and errands, respite care, pet therapy, providing music and a Petals of Sunshine flower program.

Several local veterans participate in the American Pride Veterans Program recognizing veterans for their service through a program that can include readings, patriotic music and pinnings. ”ThIs is very meaningful to the patients, their loved ones and also our veterans, who take the responsibility very seriously,” Shrake said.

The local hospice has seen an increase in the number of patients and requests in the past couple of years, meaning even more volunteers are needed, she said.

When not busy working, Shrake enjoys participating in the Troy Civic Theatre organization, where she now is on the board of directors, and spending time with friends, family and her dog.

For more information on Ohio's Hospice of Miami County, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.hospiceofmiamicounty.org, call 937-573-2115 or email volunteer@hospiceofmiamicounty.org.