Opportunities are Limitless for Two Tacoma-Pierce Volunteers

Written by Mildred Smith, Tacoma-Pierce Chapter Director of Community Services

Shirley Griffen (left) and Diane Yost provide valuable service to the Tacoma-Pierce Chatper.

Tacoma, Wash., June 4, 2001 —  Diane Yost has been struggling with Parkinson's disease for many years, an illness that forced her into an early retirement from the working world. Her friend Shirley Griffen has lived with cancer for many years and uses a wheelchair. A lot of people would consider these women "disabled," but both are very active, very able volunteers making significant contributions to their community.

Although Yost stopped working full time, her Parkinson's neither diminished her spirit nor inhibited her desire to help others. She wanted to contact the American Red Cross Tacoma-Pierce (Wash.) Chapter, but her condition made talking on the telephone difficult. Undeterred, she enlisted the help of her friend, Shirley Griffen.

Yost did not want to answer phones, and was shy about too much public exposure, fearing the misunderstanding her physical symptoms often created, but Griffen told the chapter that Yost was a speedy and accurate data processor and had a strong desire to help out.

While Yost preferred to work at the computer, Griffen said that she loved to meet and talk with people and didn't mind phone work. Together the two women's abilities would fill two immediate needs.

Yost volunteers for the chapter two or three times a week and provides crucial data input for the Senior Meal Site and SHIBA programs.

The chapter's Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) program was looking for volunteers to help with data input and to counsel individuals. Much of the SHIBA counseling is done over the phone and once trained, volunteers can work from home, an ideal position for Griffen, a former American Red Cross health and safety instructor.

Yost now volunteers for the chapter two or three times a week and provides crucial data input for the Senior Meal Site and SHIBA programs. Griffen attended SHIBA training and soon began providing excellent telephone counseling.

Her role quickly expanded, however. Having first-hand experience with managing disabilities, she developed a handbook for disabled and seniors of medical resources throughout the county, which is now being used statewide. With Yost as her driver, Griffen has traveled around the state as a guest and representative of the state Insurance Commissioner in an effort to help other counties develop similar materials.

Shirley Griffen represents the Red Cross throughout Washington state.

The two friends partner in other ways. Griffen conducts Web research for the chapter on grants and foundations and scans the local paper for Red Cross stories, clipping every article she finds. Yost then brings the articles to the chapter office when she comes in to work. When Griffen provides baked goods for the staff, Yost delivers them.

When asked about her history of volunteering, Griffen said, "I had looked for volunteer work for myself for a long time but no one could see my ability. They could only see my disability. In speaking around western Washington I have found that it is a common misconception that disability means inability to function in a volunteering or working setting."

The women's service with the American Red Cross has enhanced the services the Tacoma-Pierce Chapter provides to others. According to Carrie Cirrito, chapter Executive Director, "Their example makes clear to everyone that disabled is not unable. Their friendship has enriched all our lives — a gift for which I am personally eternally grateful."

Related article:

Seniors Give and Receive at the American Red Cross Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter