Words of Encouragement from a Surprising Place

The following story was featured in the Fall 2018 issue of OneSpirit magazine.

Imagine being sick, in the hospital and not having any family or friends around to help take care of you. Jeff Erwin, director of nutritional services at Hot Springs, was pondering on this sad situation as he encountered patients who were completely alone.

“About 10 years ago, I started thinking about all the elderly patients we have in our hospital and how difficult it would be to get better without strong family support,” says Jeff. “I noticed that some rooms are filled with children and grandchildren who bring cards, flowers and gifts of encouragement. Others aren’t so lucky.”

There may be many reasons that a person’s family can’t be at their side during a hospital stay. As a retirement community, Hot Springs has many residents without family members nearby. Jeff had an idea that would bring joy to patients and involve children in the community at the same time. He began what is now known as the Help with Healing Program, a partnership between the hospital and local schools and organizations that provides get well cards and encouraging messages for patients.

Each September, Jeff sends out letters to local schools and organizations, asking them to create cards with messages of encouragement and care for people in the hospital. This is a passion project for Jeff, who does everything possible to gather cards – including delivering construction paper, markers and other supplies teachers may need to participate. He returns later to pick up the cards that will be delivered to patients throughout the year.

“You never know what circumstances people face, but I do know that loneliness can sometimes be worse than disease,” says Jeff. “The response to these cards has been unbelievable. There have been so many lives touched in a positive way.”

According to Jeff, children don’t realize the effect their messages and well wishes can have on the emotional, spiritual and physical health of patients who receive them. He’s seen time and again the powerful impact these cards have had in the lives of those who no longer feel alone because of a simple gesture of kindness. He would love to see this program expand into every hospital and community.

“All of us are torchbearers in this ministry. Through the Help with Healing Program, I’ve discovered that children have a unique ability through their creativity and innocence to touch patients emotionally and spiritually in a special way,” says Jeff. “Sharing their heart, mind and imagination, each child who participates joins our healthcare team and truly becomes part of the healing process.”

You can be part of this healing ministry! If you would like to donate supplies or have connections with local schools, civic organizations or church groups who would like to participate in the Help with Healing Program, email Jeff at [email protected].