The GROWTH (Guided Real World Orientation and Work Training at the Hospital) internship program has completed its second year at Spectrum Health Lakeland. The program emphasizes mentorship, professional competency and training, and health care career exploration. It also aims to respond to the shortage of Black and Hispanic/Latinx associates in clinical and nonclinical staffing by creating a career pipeline between Benton Harbor area youth and Spectrum Health Lakeland.
Unique Lewis is a recent high school graduate and GROWTH intern, who spent time at the Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center. Unique shared that while she was at first anxious about being at the hospice center, after only a short amount of time, she realized hospice wasn’t just about death. It was also about living and quality of life.
“I learned so much,” said Unique. “It’s not just that the people at the Hanson Hospice Center are at their end of life; they’re grateful for what they have done and what they have experienced throughout their life.”
The team at the Hanson Hospice Center was so sweet and kind. They taught me how to enter a patient’s room, how to help, how to comfort them, and just how to be there.
Give the gift of time, become a volunteer
Caring Circle is seeking compassionate people to volunteer and help make a difference in the lives of those using our services. No medical knowledge is required, and all necessary training will be provided by Caring Circle. There are many different volunteer opportunities including patient respite visits, pet therapy, event support, and other roles that can be matched to your interests and talents. For more information on Caring Circle’s volunteer program, call 269.429.7100 or visit caring-circle.org/volunteer