Jemuel Robles knew he wanted to give back to the community after seeing videos on social media about cleaning up Oakland neighborhoods.
He decided to stick to where he works — San Rafael — and where he lives — Fairfield.
Through Kaiser Permanente in San Rafael, he got a taste of volunteering at a nearby food bank in Marin County. He divided and packaged food, while hearing people’s stories.
He was inspired, and he enjoyed himself.
That was almost a year ago, and he’s been a regular volunteer there ever since.
“It feels very fulfilling,” said Robles, a Kaiser Permanente IT consultant who also picks up roadside trash through Rooted Vallejo. “It makes me feel like the small things make a difference, especially if more people do it. It makes me feel good and hopefully other people feel good.”
Robles is one of many employees and physicians who log thousands of volunteers hours each year through KPCares. The most widely publicized Kaiser Permanente event is on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, but there are Kaiser Permanente-sponsored volunteer opportunities year-round. During National Volunteer Month in April, the organization facilitated a range of projects, including writing letters to older adults and assembling hygiene kits.
And a new recognition program is being launched this year for employees and physicians who have logged the highest volunteer hours in KPCares.
“Our employees and physicians are the heart of Kaiser Permanente. When we volunteer, we strengthen employee engagement and build the kind of connected culture that makes Kaiser Permanente a great place to work — all while living our commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve,” said Pam Ulmer, regional director, External and Community Affairs. “Volunteering is good for the community, and it’s good for employees. Studies show that volunteering improves physical and mental health.”
Rochelle Ford, part of change she wants to see
Ford may spend just as much time volunteering as she does working. The site leader of Pinole Medical Office Building and Space Management program manager at the Richmond Medical Center has been volunteering for decades through Kaiser Permanente and on her own.
Through Kaiser Permanente, the longtime employee helps with various projects, including a park clean-up day in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and cultural events. Outside work, Ford is involved with Solano Dignity and Care Foundation, which helps people who are unhoused. Additionally, she volunteers through her church.
“Volunteerism is an opportunity to be a part of the change we want to see,” Ford said. “I contribute to make the world a better place, and it’s a lot of fun. I take away more than I give.”
The value Kaiser Permanente places on volunteering sends a powerful message to community members, Ford said.
“We care about you not just when you come in for care, but all aspects of your life.”
Volunteering humbles Winnie Xu, MD
Winnie Xu, MD, has been volunteering for almost as long as she’s worked here – 20 years. She’s a primary care physician who is assistant chief of the Bilingual Chinese Module at the San Francisco Medical Center.
She helps at cultural events, such as the Chinatown Health Fair and the Mid-Autumn Festival. At those events, she provides health information about the bilingual module but also does eye exams, blood pressure checks, flu shots, and more.
“Working for Kaiser Permanente enables us to give back,” she said.
She wants to make life easier for others in her community.
“I’m an immigrant to this country, so by volunteering, I’m giving back what I learned,” Dr. Xu said.
She also volunteers at City College of San Francisco, teaching a medical interpreter class.
“It makes me feel humble. These are my roots, and where I came from,” Dr. Xu added. “It makes you a better human being.”
Volunteering a joy for Pam Brotherton-Sedano, MS, RN
Brotherton-Sedano, the area safety and quality officer for the San Jose Medical Center, is a lifetime volunteer. Community service was part of her high school experience.
“It really brings joy to my heart that I made a small difference in someone’s else life,” she said.
For several decades now, Brotherton-Sedano has been active with Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley. She also served on the professional board for the California Society for Health Care Risk Management for the past 20 years.
Since she started working here 7 years ago, Brotherton-Sedano volunteers 4 or 5 times a year through Kaiser Permanente-sponsored projects, whether it’s beautifying a school or preparing meals for those experiencing food insecurity.
Volunteering has become a team event for Brotherton-Sedano. She appreciates the opportunity to get to know colleagues better and share in the mutual desire to “pay it forward.”
“The secret benefit is a team building,” she said. “We can be together and do good work in the community.”
