Steve Pawlik’s journey to volunteering involved a bit of coaxing.
Friends had asked his wife, Patty, if Steve would be interested, and she told them to save their breath because there was no way he would volunteer.
A couple of weeks later, a nun asked Steve about volunteering at St. Mary Medical Center, and he felt compelled to give it a chance. He laughed respectfully when recalling the story.
“I’m in a church talking to a nun – what do you think my answer was?” he said. “It had to be yes.”
That yes changed everything.
Although initially reluctant, Steve has volunteered at the hospital for 14 years. He said the experience has been wonderful. The work, the people and the sense of purpose pulled him in and never let go.
Today, Steve serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and at the Information Desk in the West Lobby, where he is known for his jokes, warmth and genuine care for patients and their families. He has formed deep bonds with staff and fellow volunteers.
“We start off with a wave, then a conversation, and before long, we’re stopping just to share a hug,” he said.
Steve values the sense of community. He loves how volunteering brings people together, how conversations flow easily and how friendships form naturally.
“When you join this team of volunteers, you become part of a family,” he said.
For information on how to volunteer with Powers Health, visit PowersHealth.org/adult-volunteers-social-gxm4wp0t.
