March 7, 2023

Interested in Volunteering? Meet Two People Who Can Help!

Pictured above: EveryStep volunteer coordinators Gwendolyn Cox (L) and Sheri Coughennower (R).

Sheri Coughennower is no stranger to EveryStep. After nine years as a hospice aide and team assistant for the EveryStep Hospice teams in Winterset and Osceola, she is now the volunteer coordinator for the Winterset team. “I have seen and met many of our volunteers with our hospice patients with my role as a hospice aide. I’ve seen firsthand what a difference they make with our patients.” Sheri says she’ll continue her role as the Winterset team assistant, but will step away from her work as a hospice aide. “Fortunately, as the volunteer coordinator, I will still have contact with volunteers, families and the patients.”

Retiring early from a 25-year career at Meredith Corporation, Sheri discovered a new passion in the field of health care. “I wish I would have started off in health care, but sometimes we discover what we really want to do later in life.”

Sheri grew up in Norwalk and has lived in Indianola for almost 40 years. Her adult son lives in the area too, which means she gets to see her 10-year-old grandson often. “They are my world!” says Sheri. “I also enjoy hiking, geocaching with my grandson, yardwork and relaxing by the pool.” She just got a new puppy, so Sheri’s busy with training and cuddling.

Sheri is excited about her new position at EveryStep. “I would like to build our volunteer base by getting out into all the communities we serve. The volunteers are so important to what we do! We have a great group of volunteers now, but we need more so we can better serve our hospice patients and families.”

Sheri says she’s amazed by the dedication of EveryStep volunteers. “I have never worked for a company that is so caring. Making a difference – what a beautiful thing!”

If you are interested in volunteering with EveryStep Hospice’s Winterset team, call 515-462-5205.

Learn More About Volunteering at EveryStep

Gwendolyn Cox is new to EveryStep, but not to health care. “My health care journey started in 2018 when I worked as a service coordinator for a direct service provider company, then I went to long term care as an admissions and marketing director,” says Gwendolyn.

When the volunteer coordinator position became available for the EveryStep Hospice Mount Pleasant team, Gwendolyn knew that’s where she wanted to be. “I have always had a passion for helping others and wanted to find a place where I could make a difference.” Now on board in her new position with EveryStep, Gwendolyn says she’s impressed by the support she’s already received. “The detailed training process has been wonderful, as well as the endless support from everyone on my team!”

A resident of Mount Pleasant, Gwendolyn enjoys hiking and gardening. In the summer, you’ll find her and her family at the pool or riding bikes and during the school year, she and her partner are busy watching her two daughters, ages 9 and 5, and her 8-year-old son wrestle.

Gwendolyn, like Sheri, is focused on growing her team’s volunteer base. “I am hoping to get back to a point where we have every option of service available for clients.”

If you are interested in volunteering with EveryStep Hospice’s Mount Pleasant team, call 319-385-4472.

EveryStep has a variety of volunteer needs across Iowa. Click here for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling to find the support they need, please contact EveryStep at 515-558-9946 or complete the commitment-free, confidential “Find Care” form. EveryStep staff will follow up with a phone call to answer your questions and provide assistance.