Celebrating Service Across the Years

FORT WORTH, Texas - Nancy Langley arrives for each shift at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth with a smile and a sense of purpose, a reflection of her long-standing commitment as a volunteer.

"Volunteering feels like a way to give back," Langley said.

Langley has spent more than 30 years volunteering at Texas Health Southwest. She started in 1994, while still working at Lockheed Martin.

"I worked with engineers, and when I was about to leave to go volunteer, I would say, 'Now don't come see me in the ER tonight,'" Langley said with a laugh.

In the beginning, Langley worked one night a week, checking in patients at the Emergency Department.

"Sometimes, you're meeting people on the worst day of their lives," she said. "It's important that you remain compassionate, friendly and you're a good listener."

Her connection to healthcare has always been personal.

"My mother battled lymphoma," she said. "Even though she passed, I remember the wonderful nurses and doctors who helped us."

After years of volunteering in the ED, she moved to the information desk, which is also the surgery waiting room. Langley, who has since retired, greets patients and visitors with the same warmth that first drew her in.

"Even while working full time and now in retirement, she continues to show up for patients and staff," said Paige Pritchett, M.H.A., LMSW, manager of volunteer services at Texas Health Southwest.

In addition to helping others, volunteers can make new friends, learn new skills and achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Jack Lewis, who had a lengthy career in education, has spent the past eight years as a volunteer at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne. Lewis now volunteers four days a week in the gift shop, often stepping in to cover additional shifts when needed.

"There's a social aspect to volunteering," Lewis said. "It's part of my routine and it gives me a reason to get out of house and be around people in retirement."

Pritchett, who also manages volunteers at Texas Health Cleburne, said Lewis' commitment highlights both the impact of volunteers and the hospital's need for more helping hands.

"After COVID, not all our volunteers returned and that's created a real need for new volunteers as the hospitals continue to grow," Pritchett said.

After decades of service, Langley said her motivation hasn't changed.

"I keep coming back because I love helping people," Langley said. "Even the smallest interaction can make someone's day a little easier when they need it the most."

Texas Health Cleburne and Texas Health Southwest are looking for more volunteers. Click below to apply.

• Texas Health Southwest volunteer application
• Texas Health Cleburne volunteer application