A unique partnership is growing between Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections – and it’s all because of an unexpected gift.
“Last summer, an incarcerated person donated several stuffed animals that he’d knitted while serving, and he asked if we could donate them to our patients,” explained Joel Rust, manager of Volunteer Operations & Welcome Services at Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore.
The volunteer team was tasked with handing out the animals to patients who were having a rough time while in the hospital.
“One volunteer was working with a patient with dementia who thought she’d died and crossed over. The volunteer gave her one of the animals, and the patient started crying and hugging it. That’s when we realized how impactful these animals could be.”
Other patients who received animals also reacted positively, so Joel reached out to Aurora Health Care Foundation and the director at the Department of Corrections to see how the hospital could expand the project.
“The director of the Department of Corrections was excited about the idea because it would give people who are incarcerated the opportunity to do something positive and give back,” shared Joel.
The animals are given primarily to older patients with dementia or other loss of cognitive function.
“It may sound silly, but having something to hold on to can help people experiencing cognitive decline. They don’t always know where they are or what’s happening, and they can be scared. Having these stuffed animals can make a real difference.”
While the animals are primarily given to older patients with dementia, there have been exceptions.
“There was a grandmother in the intensive care unit, and her granddaughter was in the waiting room,” shared Joel. “A volunteer noticed the girl was upset and crying, so she gave her a stuffed animal. It’s a nice thing to be able to do to provide a little comfort in a stressful situation.”
Giving back and getting creative
The program not only provides benefits to patients but also to those incarcerated.
“There are around 50 inmates at six facilities participating,” said Joel. “It gives them a sense of purpose and helps with their emotional well-being. Some are serving lengthy sentences or life in prison, so it can help them feel more connected to society while doing something good for others.”
“The persons in our care have welcomed the new project with excitement,” added Alisha Kraus, Director at the Department of Corrections. “There are many individuals who want to learn how to crochet and help out in any way they can.
This project gives them an opportunity for some creative expression and the thought of giving someone joy makes them feel good. This has been an opportunity to give back to the community, even if in a small way, and creating something with their hands has given them feelings of satisfaction.”
The project is also inspiring other incarcerated persons to get involved in philanthropy.
“We have seen persons in our care seeking out additional projects to help the community,” shared Alisha. “It’s also great to see them helping each other out in group when someone is struggling with a skill.”
How you can help
Joel’s goal is to expand the project to other hospitals across the Advocate Health system.
“It started with just one donor and grew because of philanthropic support. I’d love to reach more patients, and not just those with dementia, but underserved children too,” shared Joel. “These knitted and crocheted animals are already making a meaningful difference for both our patients and for those incarcerated. We could make an even greater impact by expanding the program.”
Aurora St. Luke's South Shore is part of Advocate Health, a not-for-profit system that relies on the generosity of donors for many programs and services. To support programs like this one, consider making a gift today or contact delaney.mccarty@aah.org to learn more.