We are endlessly grateful to our volunteers for giving their time to better the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our volunteers are truly the heart of the Alzheimer’s Association here in North Carolina.
In honor of National Volunteer Week 2024, we’ll be spotlighting a different volunteer from our Chapter each day. Today we are featuring…
ROSE HERNANDEZ
KINSTON NC
What brought you to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
I was encouraged by my Library Director, Mrs. Morgan to complete the training as an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer in order to increase awareness about the important issues surrounding Alzheimer’s in our communities. In my role as a Branch Manager for the Greene County Public Library and working with a diverse population I felt it would be fitting to complete the training. I am glad I did, it has been a rewarding experience.
What volunteer role(s) do you have with the Association?
I am a Community Educator for the Eastern NC Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. I offer informational training sessions at various libraries within the Neuse Regional Library system to patrons such as Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body and the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. I also recently moderated my first forum with the Alzheimer’s Association for librarians in March 2024.
Alzheimer’s Association Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who provide Alzheimer’s Association education programs to community audiences using prepared training materials on topics related to Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias and memory loss.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer role?
Learning new things, meeting and connecting with new and diverse people, being an avenue for caregivers to find help and support.
What piece of your role do you feel makes the biggest impact?
Bringing awareness to my community about ways to make sustainable life changes to help reduce the risk of getting an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis in their life, and also being a connection to resources and support networks for those living with cognitive impairments and their caregivers.
If someone were considering volunteering with the Association, what would you say to them?
Do it, it is simple and rewarding! The Alzheimer’s Association has wonderful staff that will help you every step of the way. Not only will you learn new things to apply to your own life and family but you will feel empowered to share your knowledge and connections with those around you. Helping others in their time of need is no better feeling, become a volunteer!
THANK YOU, ROSE
Volunteers truly help move our mission forward. Interested in becoming a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association in NC?
Visit alz.org/volunteer or call 800-272-3900.
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 