Gail Elser awarded 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year

Gail Elser was recently awarded the 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year by the Montana Healthcare Association. The following was adapted from the nomination by Alison Veland and printed on the program.

“Gail Elser is the definition of “above and beyond.” She is a force of nature, who does not rest until a problem is fixed. She will learn everything she can about anything she needs to until she finds a way! Need a bus driver? Gail will get a group certified to drive. Have a musically-challenged activity director? Gail will single-handedly round up several musical volunteers for weekly live music! Volunteer members lagging? Gail will pepper the town’s businesses with applications and once you get the volunteers Gail helps orient, organize and communicate with them.

You can always tell when Gail has been in the building- residents show off their painted fingernails, talking about the music she arranged, showing off something Gail helped them make or talking about what they’re going to do when Gail is back next. Gail loves to sit and visit with the residents and she enjoys making their living space cozy and comfortable for each of them. She takes the time to include every resident by working with staff to create adaptations so they can participate.

Gail’s passion is inspiring and her acts of service amaze every day. She is absolutely unstoppable.”