Volunteer Programs
Volunteer Testimonial
Nancy
A personal triumph
Nancy first came to McLean Hospital in 1976 after a psychotic episode. She says that the hospital was very good to her after her treatment because "they connected me with other people who helped me get back on track after I was hospitalized."
In the mid 1990’s Nancy decided she wanted to volunteer at the hospital and began working for Carol Brown, director of program and resource development at the Cole Center. Through this volunteer job Nancy had the opportunity to learn new skills and become an invaluable resource for Carol. The two also developed a close friendship, which continues today.
"Carol is like a sister to me and I know I can always count on her to help me when I need it," says Nancy.
In 1998 Nancy was named Volunteer of the Year. This award, along with Carol’s praise for her work, bolstered her self-confidence so much that Nancy felt she was ready to get a paying job outside of Mclean.
For more than five years, Nancy sold cosmetics at a local mall. "I loved my job because I was back in the workforce and had an opportunity to meet a number of interesting people," says Nancy.
Nancy left her cosmetics job last year to seek a new venture. She was working with the Resource Partnership to find another job that suited her skills. "Working with the Partnership is wonderful," says Nancy. "Without their encouragement, I probably wouldn’t be as proactive in finding a job as I am. Today she is going to help me fill out an application to work at a large cosmetic company."