22-year-old Sam Roth is a volunteer at Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH). However, giving back to our hospital through service was not his first encounter here.
In 2018, Sam came to Children’s Specialized Hospital Outpatient Center in New Brunswick to receive services for pain, stress management and conflict resolution. Here, he worked very closely with our physicians and therapists to determine ways he can take control of his health as he transitioned into early adulthood.
“Everyone was always so welcoming and helpful at Children’s,” said Sam. “I immediately knew it was a place I enjoyed being, even if it wasn’t just to receive services or see my doctor.”
During a visit with the Advanced Practice Nurse at his Primary Care office, Sam talked about his eagerness to volunteer, and questioned which organizations would welcome an individual with special needs. The nurse recommended Children’s Specialized Hospital, and soon after, Sam submitted an application. After connecting with the volunteer department, Sam cheerfully explains “the rest is just history!”
Vivian Cappolla, Volunteer Manager at Children’s Specialized Hospital helped Sam begin a new journey at Children’s Specialized Hospital. She shared that Sam is always one of the first volunteers to step up and volunteer for additional hours when needed.
“He is one of the most devoted and friendliest volunteers we have here a CSH,” she says.
Sam’s first volunteer task was working at the Primary Care Center in Mountainside assisting staff, patients and families by calling families to remind them of upcoming appointments, organizing paperwork, and helping directors with special projects like surveys. His hard work and dedication lead him to work with educators on the Autism team, the scheduling team, as well as working within the Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) and the Children’s Specialized Foundation Finance team.
“Sam was a big help to the Foundation team. His enthusiasm and hard work was terrific!” said Janet Lambert, Finance & Data Manager at Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation. “When he came in he was a ray of sunshine to us.”
“My favorite part of volunteering with CSH is being welcomed with open arms as an adult with special needs,” shared Sam.
Our patients, families and staff rely heavily on volunteer support to ensure the best possible patient care and experience. Thanks to people like Sam, we can ensure each child reaches their full potential.