Youth Volunteer Program
Besides working throughout the hospital, youth volunteer Jonay Boylan plays the flute for Veterans in the medical center's lobby.
When you are the daughter of a retired U.S. Army Veteran, it takes the guess work out of how you give back and how you serve the community. This year marks the fourth year that Jonay Boylan has participated in the VA Summer Youth Volunteer Program. Jonay feels good about sharing her musical talents and bringing joy to Veterans at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.
Jonay has had the opportunity to volunteer in several departments throughout the medical center, learning about health care operations and assisting with the Recreation Therapy Program. However, she most enjoys the time she spends entertaining hospitalized Veterans. Jonay can be heard playing the flute and the piano on many summer days in the medical center lobby.
“I like having a chance to entertain Veterans and to see them smile when they hear the mellow sounds of the flute. Playing for them helps me to build my performance confidence and it gives me a chance to interact with so many different Veterans,” Jonay explained.
Being a Summer Youth Volunteer at the Washington DC VA Medical Center is not just a way to make the summer pass quickly, it’s a meaningful experience, according to Jonay, who recently graduated from high school in Prince Frederick, Maryland. She, along with 61 other youth between the ages of 14 and 17, raised their right hands and committed their summer breaks to sharing their time and talents to assist D.C.-area Veterans.
According to Mr. Aldean Swan, Chief of Voluntary Service at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, “The Summer Youth Volunteer Program is a great opportunity for teenagers to explore future careers and learn the importance of giving back to the community.”
During the six-week program, the youth volunteers perform supportive, customer service and clerical tasks as well as contribute to research and patient oriented projects. The medical center’s Summer Youth Volunteer Program has been in place for a number of years. To learn more about becoming a volunteer with the Washington DC VA Medical Center, contact Voluntary Service, 202-745-8320 or visit: https://www.washingtondc.va.gov/giving/index.asp.
