October 15, 2019 —
As the Receptionist at Barclay Friends, Donna McElwee’s duties extend well beyond welcoming visitors and transferring telephone calls.
“I help [orient] residents,” she says. “When I first started working here, there was a female resident who came to my desk every day. She could not speak but when you started to sing ‘God Bless America’ she sang very clearly right along with you. I hope I impact many on a daily basis.”
Donna cares for family members in a similar fashion. “I enjoy communicating with residents and family members. I am here for them if they need to vent, cry, laugh or whatever their need may be, and I am happy that they know they can talk to me.” There is not a face or a name Donna doesn’t know.
It’s now 12 years later, and Donna continues to help Barclay Friends give residents a sense of security and comfort, as well as a better quality of life. “I truly believe that God led me here, and I thank residents for letting me work here,” she adds. Donna notes that there is no typical day for her – every day is different, and she likes it that way.
When Donna’s not brightening faces at Barclay, she enjoys time with her two grandchildren.