When Janice Kaufman retired from her position as a church office manager in 2011, she decided to volunteer to give back to the community.

She chose Aultman Hospital because she wanted to show the same care and compassion to others that her husband David experienced when he was diagnosed with and treated for cancer.

Aultman found the perfect fit for Janice, who has served as a Eucharistic minister at her church for more than 20 years. Each Thursday morning, Janice visits people of Catholic faith in the hospital and administers Communion to those who wish to receive it.

She also served in the Aultman Cancer Center when she first started volunteering. Today, Janice helps out in the inpatient pharmacy after she has finished her rounds as a Eucharistic minister.

In the pharmacy, Janice’s role is to send medication packages prepared by the pharmacists through pneumatic tubes to the clinical floors that need them. She also puts warning labels on medications and shelves them.

“I’m glad to be able to make sure that the right medication package is sent to the right floor so the medicine can be given to the patient who needs it,” she said. “My work also frees up staff.”

Connecting with patients as a Eucharistic minister is Janice’s favorite aspect of volunteering. “I’ll start a conversation with each patient, and they appreciate having someone to listen to them,” she said. “It comforts them if they’re scared.”

Janice appreciates Aultman’s staff chaplains, who provide spiritual and emotional care to patients, families and staff.

“The chaplains are so compassionate and understanding,” she said. “They are always available, and they are happy to answer my questions.”

Today, Janice’s husband is free of cancer. They’ve been married for 56 years and have two children and 10 surviving grandchildren, ranging in age from 8 to 26. Their oldest grandchild, who had a profound intellectual disability, passed away when he was 18 years old.

Janice and her husband enjoy spending time with family. They’re especially looking forward to an upcoming beach vacation with their children and grandchildren.

Janice is grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at Aultman. “Just to be retired doesn’t seem to be enough,” Janice said. “Volunteering makes me feel like I’m useful to others. I will miss it if I ever leave.”