Computer Specialists Help People in Need

Pulling his mother along as he bursts into the dining room, Jose yells, “Madre, madre!” It’s his way of introducing Mom to his new friend, Sandy Haldeman, an information services (I/S) director at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

Across the room, I/S systems analyst Mark Short talks to man who stopped to fill a bottle with water. His home doesn’t have running water; his home is the woods.

Sandy Haldeman, IS applications director, with José Casals

These are just some of the people Haldeman, Short and two of their I/S colleagues met when they volunteered at Daybreak, a center for people who have mental disabilities, or are HIV positive, under drug and alcohol treatment or homeless. “These people need someone who will listen to their stories and share their emotions,” Haldeman says. “That’s why I came here today.”

Many of her colleagues feel the same. Twice a month, I/S colleagues volunteer in the Daybreak kitchen--serving meals, cleaning tables and just being a friend to the nearly 100 people the center serves daily.

Joe Lynch places his lunch tray on the table. Haldeman notices Lynch’s long, reddish facial hair as his distinguishing characteristic and says, “I love your beard.” “Thank you,” Lynch proudly responds. “I trim it myself.” Complimentary words create a personal connection.

At the same table, Haldeman strikes up a conversation with Ellie Jackson. “I have a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter who is only two months old,” Jackson says from her wheelchair. “That’s great. Congratulations,” Haldeman says. Kind words create a personal connection.

“I have no family. It’s depressing to be by yourself,” Jose Casals says as he dries his tears. “You have friends here,” Haldeman says as she puts a hand on his shoulder. Comforting words create a personal connection.

After serving pizza from behind the lunch counter, I/S senior network analyst Steve Brescia sits across from Ralph Green and comments on his silver ring. “I got it in California,” he responds. The icebreaker starts a conversation that covers the weather, politics and ways to change the world.

But it’s not until Green says, “I was born in East Stroudsburg,” that the personal connection is made. “I’m from that same area,” Brescia responds.

“I loved growing up in the Poconos,” Green says. “I went to Polk Township Elementary School.”

“My kids went to the same school,” Brescia says. “We have a lot in common.”

Realizing how similarly their lives began and how differently they ended up, Brescia says, “I try to imagine what he’s been through to wind up in a place like this. When he told me he walks four miles just to get a decent meal, I asked myself, ‘Am I fortunate or lucky?’ He made me realize how much I take things for granted.”

Daybreak, a program of the Lehigh County Conference of Churches, has been a place for people to socialize for the past 25 years. Ironically, director Eleana Belletieri’s fondest memory didn’t take place inside the Chew Street facility. On a group trip to Ocean City, N.J., she had the opportunity to be with a 70-year old man the first time he saw the ocean. “We stood with our feet in the water and he asked, ‘How far does it go’,” Belletieri recalls. “He was so moved he said, ‘If I die tomorrow, it will be OK.”

With only five paid staff members, volunteerism is key to the center’s success. But I/S colleagues know the experience is beneficial for the center and volunteer. “My problems are nothing compared to theirs,” Haldeman says. “It makes me appreciate the life I have.”

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