Lots to share at VIM

The only full service, full time health facility in Northeastern Pennsylvania offering FREE services to low income working families.

The Volunteer Voice

Fall 2022

E-Newsletter

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the board members and staff of VIM, we would like to wish everyone a happy and joyful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

We sincerely thank all our volunteers that are dedicated to the mission of helping the underserved by providing quality, compassionate health care services. Many of our volunteers have been coming on a weekly basis for over 14.5 years!

We thank our supporters and appreciate the generosity which makes it possible for staff and volunteers to provide helping hands and caring hearts to our neighbors that need it most.

We send a wish for a safe thanksgiving to the more than 65 students that VIM hosted in 2022. The students bring a fresh and unique view to healthcare that is respected by all.

During this holiday season, we are thankful for our patients. They are appreciative, kind and deserving of healthcare services. They put all their faith in VIM to provide compassionate, quality comprehensive health care services and we are honored to do so.

Thanks for allowing VIM to provide the gift of health.

Warmest Regards,

Kelly L. Ranieli

Executive Director

Mark Your Calendar

Annual Appreciation Luncheon

Westmoreland Club

February 8, 2023

The luncheon is a way for VIM to recognize it's dedicated volunteers and generous supporters in ten special categories.

Stayed tuned for invitation and sponsorship opportunities.

VIM Building Gets a Refresh

In 2008, VIM purchased the "Buzzy Bizaar" building at 190 North Pennsylvania Avenue to house the VIM Clinic. The building was built in 1910 as the largest garage in Wilkes-Barre City called Lee's Garage. In 2010, VIM purchased the adjacent land and demolished the three abandoned houses to be used for parking. Funding from The Sordoni Foundation, Inc in the summer of 2022 was critical in assisting with the costs of refurbishing the outside of the building which included painting and appointing the brick. The 2023 strategic plan outlines the renovation of the second floor of the building to allow the expansion of services.

Apply now...Clinic Nurse Position at VIM

Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is recruiting an enthusiastic and compassionate Nurse (RN or LPN) to assist the inter-professional team in offering comprehensive patient centered care. This rewarding job opportunity is for a nursing professional who will be responsible for performing a wide variety of direct patient care tasks while providing excellent customer satisfaction through appropriate interaction and responsiveness to client needs.

Hours are flexible full-time or part-time and wage is competitive. Please email resume and cover letter to kranieli@vimwb.org.

Welcome to Rickya Stith

Rickya Stith started as VIM's Dental Assistant on October 3, 2022. She is originally from New Jersey and studied at the Fortis Institute in Wayne, NJ. We are very lucky to have Rickya as part of the VIM team!

VIM Dental Clinic Provides Smiles

A 31 year old single mother of three, who works as a housekeeper, came to the clinic in need of dental services. During her initial examination, it was discovered that the patient had extensive tooth decay. The patient’s upper teeth were extracted and she was provided with a full set of dentures. She now has an amazing smile that lights up the room.

Thanks Luzerne County Community College

Kelly Kennedy, Cassidy Taras and Alyssa Reece are members of the Hygiene Class of 2022 at Luzerne County Community College. They conducted a fundraiser by selling doughnuts and raised over $1,000 towards dental services at VIM.

We are thankful for all organizations that understand our mission and raise money to assist with keeping our community healthy.

What Students are Saying about VIM

"I enjoyed everything about this experience. Dr. Feudale taught me so much and challenged me every day. I feel much more prepared to be a NP after this rotation. The office staff were all welcoming and friendly. " Wendy is a non-traditional Nurse Practitioner student from Misericordia University

"This was my first rotation, I appreciate how the team made me feel welcomed and comfortable. I was able to participate in many aspects of patient care. Your constructive feedback but most of all your understanding of how the rotation experience is invaluable for students is appreciated. I learned so much which will help my career as a Physician Assistant. Thanks for believing in me!" Katelyn is a PA-S at Kings College.

Student and Volunteer Corner

VIM is proud to host new students in the Master of Social Work, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, BSN, Pre-Med, Nursing, Business Management, and Nursing programs.

Welcome Baby Jack Michael Witek

Congratulations to Michele and Mike Witek on the birth of Baby Jack Michael. He was born on November 1, 2022 and weighed 7 lbs 10 ounces and 21 inches long. He joins big brother, Noah. Michele is VIM's staff dental hygienist.

Offers Vaccine Clinic at VIM

CommunityCare Kistler Clinic which is a Federally Qualified Look Alike clinic, located a few blocks from VIM, offered a vaccine clinic to VIM patients. Influenza vaccines were the most requested, but covid vaccines and boosters were also administered. VIM continues to promote vaccinations and we offer thanks to CommunityCare for being a helpful neighbor. Kristyn Lutecki, LPN and Chrystal Cherrington from CommunityCare worked with Rita Ives, RN, volunteer VIM nurse, and Chris Gaughan, VIM Nursing Director, to ensure a smooth process and timely appointments.

Patient Experience Story

VIM has been experiencing many new patient cases with critical medical issues. A 53 year old male came to VIM with history of progressive weakness in his left arm, loss of muscle mass, 12 pound weight loss, spasms in his left leg and difficulty walking. His symptoms started with a fall in 2021 that caused a fracture of his left clavicle and due to not having insurance, he did not seek medical care.

Last month he visited a local emergency room due to the pain and numbness increasing in his left arm and left leg. The ER referred the patient to VIM. The Clinic provided a Cat scan of the cervical spine that shows numerous acute issues including advanced arthritis with significant slippage of one vertebral bone that may be pressing on the spinal cord. There is also narrowing of the spinal cord nerve opening that is causing severe pain and weakness of his right arm. He has an upcoming appointment with VIM’s volunteer neurologist; and it is predicated that he will need surgery to resolve the issue. VIM’s Social Care Coordinator will assist the patient in getting Charity Care or Emergency Medical Assistance for the surgery.

Many patients utilizing the free services at VIM have not had insurance for many years therefore have not received preventative services. The healthcare providers at VIM diagnose cancers and emergent medical issues. The VIM staff works diligently on ensuring the patient always has the services they need even when it is beyond primary and preventative care.