Our patients love to have interactions from people outside of our staff at Richmond State Hospital. Volunteers can provide that one on one interaction for our patients in a social and/or recreational setting through the following opportunities:
- Patient Interaction/Activities – We have a wide variety of opportunities for patient interaction in recreation and leisure programs as an assistant to a therapist. The following are some examples of the classes: painting, drawing, ceramics, jewelry making, basket making, collages, cooking, gardening, social skills, choir, music relaxation, community resources, exercise, weightlifting, sports activities, outdoor fun, bingo, etc. Also throughout the year, we have special events with our “Fun Days Activities” in which individuals and groups can come and share their talents.
- Museum – The hospital established our own museum during our 100 year celebration in 1990. The museum provides a valuable chronicle record of the history of our hospital and the evolution of psychiatric treatment. We are always in need of help keeping up a database for recording historical events and artifacts.
- Holiday parties, events and gifts – Around the holidays is a good time to provide some extra special cheer for our patients who are away from their loved ones. We are in need of groups to come in and provide holiday cheer for our patients during Party Day held on the second Sunday in December. We also make sure that all of our patients receive three gifts to open on Christmas Day as well as a gift bag full of goodies on Party Day. Donations of personal hygiene, clothes, fleece blankets, stationary, puzzle books, etc. are accepted throughout the year. The gifts are then personalized to meet the patient’s individual needs.
If you or your group are interested in joining our team of volunteers please contact the Community Services Director Stephanie Ward at Stephanie.Ward2@fssa.IN.gov or 765-935-9320.