On the morning of Saturday, April 5, VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. Volunteers who assist with VNA’s many services, including hospice and palliative care, the Medical Guardian help button program, the We Honor Veterans program, the Phoenix Center for Grief, and VNA Meals on Wheels of Porter County, were recognized. VNA staff and volunteers alike gathered in the church hall to enjoy a delicious breakfast, celebrate individual achievements, and enjoy each other’s company.
Alex Szopinski, volunteer coordinator for VNA, played an instrumental role in the planning of this year’s appreciation breakfast.
“Our volunteers spend a huge amount of time and effort serving our community through the VNA,” Szopinski said. “It’s important that we give back to them because they deserve to be recognized for their efforts. I hope everyone being recognized at today’s event enjoys socializing and eating breakfast together. I also hope they leave feeling valued for their contributions to VNA Hospice NWI and the community.”
The volunteers enjoyed an extensive spread for breakfast. They drank coffee, apple juice, orange juice, and water while snacking on muffins, cinnamon rolls, and assorted fruits. Three types of breakfast quiches – veggie, sausage, and bacon – were also available for them to enjoy. A photo booth and jumbo Connect 4 game was provided for their amusement.
Matthew Naillieux, a VNA Hospice NWI volunteer, has proudly worked with the organization for 20 years. “Everything VNA Hospice NWI does is good for the community,” Naillieux said. “They’re there to support throughout the entire hospice process, from beginning to end. They even offer support through grief counseling afterwards. This is a great group of people to volunteer with, and we have a lot of fun doing these volunteer programs. This event is great because it gets everybody together. Usually, we’re volunteering at different locations at different times, and we aren’t able to get together like this very often. We all enjoy what we do, and it’s bound to be a great time when you are amongst a group of your kind.”
During the award presentation segment of the event, volunteers were recognized for milestone achievements. These included awards for achievements like 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service, most miles driven for Meals on Wheels delivery drivers, and 300 hours of service. Each recipient was given a certificate, a commemorative pin, and an insulated cooler bag. They also received gift bags, each of which contained a notebook and a phone holder.
John Gorski, a five-year VNA Hospice NWI volunteer, and Michelle Richardson, a three-year VNA Hospice NWI volunteer, each received a special award. Gorski received the 2025 Hospice Volunteer of the Year award, while Richardson received the 2025 Angel Award in recognition of the compassionate care they have offered while volunteering for the organization. The Angel Award is the most prestigious honor that the VNA bestows.
Richardson, who has volunteered with both the hospice and Meals on Wheels programs, is deeply honored to be recognized with the Angel Award.
“This is the best organization I’ve ever volunteered with,” Richardson said. “This event is a nice opportunity for the hospice volunteers and Meals on Wheels volunteers to bond, as we don’t often work together. Unfortunately, my mom was in hospice five years ago, so I know what hospice patients and their families go through. All of the people we help are so thankful for even the littlest things we do for them. Nobody knew, but I’ve been going through a lot the last couple of months. Winning the award cast a bright light over everything. I don’t volunteer for the recognition, but it proves that VNA Hospice NWI appreciates the work I do. It makes you feel so good.”
You can learn more about VNA Hospice NWI’s services and upcoming events by visiting vnanwi.org.
