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t m c » p u l s e | j u ly 2 0 1 6 9 which has made a huge impact on our hospital and the community as a whole." As the landscape of Houston con- tinued to grow and change, the Junior League grew with it. In 1974, the League began working with the Baylor Teen Clinic to help new mothers develop child-rearing skills. "We have loved working with the women of the Junior League of Houston because they are great role models for our patients," said Peggy B. Smith, Ph.D., director of the Baylor Teen Clinic. "They have been very successful in raising their children and they can talk to our patients from their hearts." Volunteers support new teen mothers by visiting their bedsides and delivering prepared information regarding childcare, parenting, family planning and nutrition. Phone outreach volunteers are paired with newly preg- nant teens and teen moms who need additional support and encouragement. These volunteers call the teen mothers weekly throughout the year through a program called "Best Friends" and provide funding for the clinic. "The women of the Junior League are very foresighted to look at the sorts of things that are demanded of our community today, but are not always easily accessible," Smith said. "They have been very gracious and generous in providing us funding for things such as car seats for our new moms." In an effort to improve immuni- zation rates in the city and to find a permanent medical home for the uninsured and underinsured popula- tions, the Junior League donated the SuperKids Pediatric Mobile Clinic in 2000. For the first two years, the League supported all of the clinic's operating expenses. The bus travels to patients who are unable to travel to a doctor's office for regular checkups and is a col- laborative effort with Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Independent School District, the City of Houston and Harris County Hospital District. "The SuperKids Pediatric Mobile Clinic allows us to reach patients in the community who are unable to travel to our hospital or to Texas Children's Pediatrics practices," Schulz said. "The mobile clinic helps us provide immuni- zations and back-to-school checkups, and it has been revolutionary for us in terms of the way we care for patients in the community." Junior League of Houston members volunteer at organizations throughout the medical center and provide a vari- ety of different services for the hospi- tals. At Texas Children's, volunteers engage in play therapy with patients and their siblings in the Junior League Health Care Clinic, the Abercrombie Playroom, Library, Cancer Center Clinic and the Renal Center. Volunteers also work in Radio Lollipop, present puppet shows, and prepare and make crafts and dolls to educate and comfort young patients. At the Pavilion for Women, volunteers serve as Resource Ambassadors, greeting and assisting patients, visitors and staff in a friendly manner at the information desk. Volunteers also serve as NICU Sibling Playroom Volunteers, providing nor- malized play experiences for siblings of infants as well as caregivers of patients admitted to the NICU. "Volunteering through the Junior League is a great way to give back to the community," said Junior League mem- ber Teri Mesquita. "If we can just spend 30 seconds helping these kids forget about why they are here and bring them joy through stickers and coloring books, then we have done our job." At Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Junior League vol- unteers provide emotional and social support for patients and families. They serve in a wide variety of positions, including Play Pals, NICU or Pedi-ER waiting rooms, information desk attendants and patient/visitor escorts. At Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, volunteers entertain patients through arts and crafts, puppet shows, games and puzzles in the play rooms, teen rooms and other children's areas. At Camp Janus, volunteers serve as counselors providing a traditional sum- mer camp experience for pediatric burn patients ages five to 18. "I strongly believe that volunteers are necessary because they serve as the non-clinical face in an incredibly clinical environment, and our patients know that they are here out of the goodness and kindness of their hearts," said Kristen Wilkerson, manager I strongly believe that volunteers are necessary because they serve as the non-clinical face in an incredibly clinical environment. — KRISTEN WILKERSON Manager of Volunteer Services at Memorial Hermann- Texas Medical Center of Volunteer Services at Memorial Hermann-TMC. In the past year, the Junior League of Houston provided $2 million in volunteer time and support to 38 community projects around the city of Houston. In addition, the League's community outreach efforts include Community Assistance Grants, Emergency and Resource Contingency Grants, Community Collaborations and Outside Board Representatives. They continue to build the city of Houston through volunteerism and outreach to all areas of the community. "The League has been a part of the growth and development of Houston, as well as those members who have had the opportunity to be trained and men- tored through their association with the League," Wiesedeppe said. "I am so honored to count myself as one of over 5,300 members who continue to fulfill the League's mission and do my part to build well-being in our community." Junior League of Houston President Shannon Wiesedeppe

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