Come make a difference in the lives of our patients, residents, and their families while supporting the work of our medical staff and contributing to our healing environment. 

You will find a wide range of volunteer positions at Perham Health and Perham Living and we do our best to accommodate your interests, talents, and time commitment.  

Meet two volunteers: Greg Mader and Ellen Lampton 

Greg and Ellen are two volunteers from our community that are making a difference at Perham Health and Perham Living. Greg was one of seven children growing up on a dairy farm west of Minneapolis. Greg and his wife moved to Perham five years ago. In 2017, he became a development officer for Perham Health.  After retiring, he decided to continue here as a volunteer. Ellen grew up in Perham and moved away while working for Pillsbury and then Kraft in Chicago. After 35 years, she returned and worked for Arvig. After retiring, volunteering became her life.  

 Greg works the front door of the clinic and refers to himself as the "Walmart Greeter." A typical day involves greeting people, assisting people with wheelchairs, providing attention to any special needs they have, and thanking them for their trust in Perham Health. Ellen works in the gift shop where she helps display items for sale, sets out new items and waits on customers. For a couple of hours each Tuesday, she can be found helping out with bingo in the Town Center at Perham Living. She visits with the residents and helps out those who need a little extra help playing bingo. Greg has been volunteering for three years; Ellen for two. 

 What Got Them Involved in Volunteering 

Greg spent a whole career helping others. "I enjoy being of service to others. My employment history is centered on this facet of my personality. My son once said, "Dad, you just know what people need–even before they do." 

Volunteering has been a way of life for Ellen too. "My Dad was a veteran so when I moved back to Perham, I decided I wanted to get involved in some way with the VFW. I have been president of the VFW auxiliary for the past 8 years. I felt I had more time to give so I have been helping at Perham Health and Perham Living too." 

What Keeps Them Coming Every Week 

Greg says, "I hope that I am able to provide an uplifting moment for everyone coming through the door. After all, this is a health care setting and many people are arriving with concern on their faces and anxiety in their hearts. A sincere greeting of welcome, respect, and often a quiet kindness that I can provide is what makes my day." 

 "I enjoy every minute of it," says Ellen. "I enjoy visiting with the residents. They love to have someone to talk to and share their experiences. Residents come around to see what we have in the gift shop. A lot of them probably don't get an opportunity to go outside Perham Living so just coming to look around is something fun for them to do. And I love the flexible hours. I decide when I want to work." 

Why They Volunteer at Perham Health 

Ellen started volunteering at Perham Health after she talked to other people that volunteered there. "I asked around and everything I learned was very positive. It's a large organization with lots of areas to volunteer in. You can do a lot or a little, so I signed up and have been enjoying it ever since." 

Before retiring at Perham Health, Greg was asked to assist at the front door. He continued on after retiring. Greg comments on the excellent staff at the clinic and the Nelson Therapy Center, "It's been great getting to know everyone." 

Advice to Others Who are Considering Volunteering 

As an introvert, Greg would have thought that volunteering to greet people at a healthcare facility would be the last thing he would want to do. But he has found it to be very rewarding. "The position as front door greeter is as simple as providing an uplifting moment for someone who may be feeling down. If an introvert can perform these functions, certainly anyone can." 

Ellen agrees, "It just feels good to volunteer, giving back to the community. I've worked all my life with no extra time in between jobs, so this is my way of thanking the many wonderful people and communities who helped me on my journey." 

Benefits of Volunteering 

People who volunteer are looking for ways to give back to their community and help others. But did you know the volunteer can benefit too? Volunteering connects you to others, allows you to meet new people and make new friends, increases your self-confidence, lessens depression, and can teach you valuable job skills and provide career experience. Volunteers tend to be happier and healthier because they are giving freely of themselves to help others. And Perham Health benefits too by having people that enrich the experience of patients, families, visitors, and employees. 

Learn more about volunteering here.

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