Doug Young volunteering from his home
By Aubrey Barnard
It’s often said that new babies don’t come with instruction manuals. They also don’t stop entering the world just because there is a health crisis and a “Stay Home/Stay Safe” order.
Fortunately for parents of babies born at Mission Hospital, Doug Young (who turned 90 this year) is dedicated to helping new families have all the resources they need when taking home a new baby. Each week, Doug assembles 100 folders filled with resources to help new parents navigate caring for a new baby.
Doug is so devoted to this role that he has continued to put together packets for the Mother Baby Unit even as he is staying safe at home. Judy Haney, Manager of Volunteer Engagement at Mission Hospital, said, “When we knew the order was coming to suspend volunteer service at the hospital, I talked to Doug and asked if he wanted to continue his work at home. He said, ‘Oh yes! Got to take care of those babies and keep Mother Baby Unit in good supply.’ So I packed up his materials and took them to his house. As you can see, his dining room table has become his office.”
Betsy Silver in Mother Baby Unit keeps the supplies coming, and Judy makes weekly trips to meet him at the entrance gate at the community where Doug lives to drop-off new supplies and pick up completed packets. We are grateful for Doug’s dedication and look forward to spending Tuesday mornings with him in person again soon.
Judy Haney is Manager of Volunteer Engagement at Mission Hospital.
