2011 award winners Award winners honored at banquet By Aubrey Gilbert, National Campus


Each year, the Good Samaritan Society recognizes three individuals for their service to residents and commitment to the organization’s mission of sharing God’s love in word and deed. Recipients of the awards in 2011 are Ruth Ann Boska, selected for the Augusta Award, which honors the Society’s employee of the year; Betty Vrbka, who received the Volunteer of the Year Award; and Sharon Falconer, winner of the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year Award. The three award winners were honored in June during the Good Samaritan Society’s Annual Meeting in St. Charles, Ill.


Volunteer of the Year – Betty Vrbka


“Betty is one of those special people chosen by God to bring joy into the lives of others.”


A


lmost every Wednesday for the past 28 years, Betty Vrbka


has provided an activity called Betty’s Baking for residents at Good Samaritan Society – Osceola.


Through Betty’s Baking, Vrbka helps residents stir up great recipes not only for a yummy treat, but also wonderful conversation, laughter and love. Vrbka has a gift for making everyone feel loved, special and accepted. Residents reminisce about the past, speculate about the future and share their stories.


“Betty serves as a source of inspiration and hope for the residents,” says Anne Cox, administrator at the center in Osceola, Neb. “Faced with health issues and the recent loss of her husband, she remains a light in the lives of the residents and is a true messenger of Christ.”


For her contributions, the Good Samaritan Society has named Vrbka as the 2011 Volunteer of the Year. In receiving the award during the


organization’s Annual Meeting, Vrbka told the audience she volunteers because she loves the residents and looks forward to seeing them.


“It gets me out of bed and gets me going because I know I have all these residents waiting for me,” Vrbka told the group.


Vrbka’s connection with Good Samaritan Society – Osceola began more than 28 years ago when her parents came to live at the center. Because of their experience, Vrbka says she better understands the challenges individuals face when they’re no longer able to care for themselves. As a volunteer, she offers empathy and support to all residents through food, fun, good conversation, laughter, and most importantly, love.


In addition to Betty’s Baking, Vrbka makes personal visits to residents who are unable to attend the activity and makes rounds in the dining room at lunch. There isn’t a resident in the


center who doesn’t look forward to her Wednesday visits, says Cox.


Vrbka’s contributions to her community and to the center have motivated others to donate their time and talents, too. Many people began volunteering at the center because of her inspiration and encouragement, and Vrbka is always willing to offer a good word about the center and the services provided.


“She is one of those special people chosen by God to bring joy into the lives of others,” says Cox.


Because of health issues, Vrbka has a difficult time walking. Every step is a struggle. But she has a strong resolve to continue volunteering at the center. “As long as my legs keep working and I have the help of the good Lord, I will continue my weekly visit,” Vrbka says.


Vrbka has eight children, 18 grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren.


The Good Samaritan • 2011 • Vol. 45 • No. 2


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