At Baptist Village of Okmulgee, it’s not just about the care - it’s about community. Every laugh shared over bingo, every flower planted in the garden, every hand held during a quiet conversation is part of something bigger. It’s people showing up for people. And it’s powered in large part by volunteers - young and old - who give their time and heart to enhance the lives of others.

Behind that heartbeat are individuals like Amy Maddox, Susie Forman, Matthew Wood and 14-year-old Abel Mendoza. Some are staff, some are volunteers - but all are united by purpose.

--- “It Just Kind of Happened” - Amy Maddox “I started in activities at age 15,” said Amy Maddox, who now serves as the Resident Services Coordinator at Baptist Village. “Just helping, assisting with activities for the elderly in a nursing home in New York Mills, Minnesota.”

Originally from Minnesota, Amy’s journey has included everything from front desk to leasing to children’s ministry. “No matter what hat I was wearing, I always had a mindset for activities,” she shared. “It’s what came natural to me. I love it.”

Her passion for creativity shines through in the work she does. “I love fashion and I love art. Painting - that’s my me-time,” she said. “If it seems like I’m having more fun than the residents, I probably am,” she laughed. “But I have to remind myself - I’m working.”

Amy also finds joy in the spiritual side of her work. “I always knew about God growing up, but I didn’t know Him. I got saved at 19 while working in a bean factory, and ever since then, I’ve just wanted to grow in my purpose and glorify God through whatever I do.”

She believes that Baptist Village offers a unique opportunity for both residents and volunteers. “There’s so much wisdom here. And I love when kids come - it’s beautiful that we can do that here.”

--- “A Blessing That God Sent Me Here” - Susie Forman If you’ve been to Baptist Village lately, chances are you’ve seen Susie Forman - with a paintbrush, a nail polish bottle or a big smile.

“I met Amy in October, and it was just a blessing,” Susie said. “I knew God had sent me here.”

Though not a resident herself, Susie’s roots with Baptist Village run deep. “My husband’s grandmother, Bernice Armstrong, was one of the first residents here. She passed away at 104. His other grandmother, Bertha Forman, lived across the street for years and passed at 98. And now, my mother-inlaw is a resident - she’s 95.”

Susie jumped in with both feet. “I’m always smiling when I walk through the doors,” she said. “I know it’s going to be a new day. Someone’s going to have something to share, someone might need something little - it’s all a joy.”

She especially loves helping with activities. “Pretty Nails is one of my favorites,” she laughed. “Some of the ladies say, ‘I’ve never had my nails done before!’ Watching them pick their colors - it’s just so fun.”

Her message to others thinking about volunteering? “Just come take a tour. Meet the people. There are so many little needs - things that matter. And they’ll bless you just as much as you bless them.”

What does she hope to leave behind? “That we are all God’s children. And working together is something that can be shared from our teachings. That’s what I’d like to be remembered for.”

--- “We Can Do More” - Matthew Wood

Campus Director Matthew Wood sees the big picture - and he’s passionate about what sets Baptist Village apart.

“When you compare for-profit and nonprofit senior care, one of the major differences is the involvement of volunteers,” he explained. “We are so blessed to have volunteers here. It just allows us to do more for our residents.”

Matthew has watched lives change because someone took the time to show up. “Some residents have family that’s very involved. But others don’t. And something as simple as someone stopping by to visit, or smiling or playing a game - it can change everything.”

He continued, “One of the key needs of every human being is relationship. Even in the Garden, God said, ‘It’s not good for man to be alone.’ Some of our residents have lost spouses, friends, neighbors. They’ve seen so much change. Volunteers help restore that human connection.”

Looking ahead, Baptist Village will host a Volunteer Orientation on Tuesday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the Life Enrichment Room. “We’ll go over our core values, our mission and talk through ideas together,” said Matthew. “We want our volunteers to feel just as equipped as they are appreciated.”

--- “Behind Every Door is a Story” Abel Mendoza

At just 14 years old, Abel Mendoza is already one of Baptist Village’s most cherished volunteers. Known by name, loved by many, Abel spends his weekdays on-site - helping with everything from bingo to companionship.

“I volunteer here. I help the residents a lot,” he said. “A lot of them say they wouldn’t know what to do without me -so that should explain quite a bit,” he added with a grin.

Abel started caring for others long before he ever stepped foot in Baptist Village. “My great-grandma used to watch over me during the summers, but really, I was the one watching over her,” he said. “That’s where it all began.”

Now, Monday through Friday, he’s on campus with his mom, who serves as Director of Health Services. “I’m here from 9 to 5, forty hours a week,” he said. “I help plan crafts, call bingo, walk with residents, take them for rides in their wheelchairs. Sometimes they just want to talk. And the little things - just spending time with them - that makes their day.”

And Abel doesn’t stop there. “I take some of the residents fishing,” he said proudly. “We’ll head out to the south pond, and I’ll show them around. If I hook one, I let them reel it in. They love it. Sometimes we even plan fishing days with whoever wants to go.”

Fishing is one of Abel’s biggest passions. “I’m really good at bass fishing,” he said. “The biggest one I ever caught was over 10 pounds. I’ve got picture proof,” he laughed. “There’s a pond near my house and I’ll catch bass and perch all day. I always release them. The owner wants catch and release, and I want others to enjoy them too.”

He even sees a connection between fishing and working with residents. “You have to know how to approach them,” he said. “Just like you do with people. You can’t use the same bait or the same technique every time,” he explained. “Everyone’s different. Some don’t want to go to bingo. But if I talk to them first, get a little conversation going, then ask - they’ll say yes. It’s all in how you ask.”

When asked what the residents have taught him, Abel didn’t hesitate. “One of them, Gene Weatherford, taught me about investing and stocks,” he said. “Others were in the military. Some were bankers. I’ve learned so much just from listening. Behind every door is a story and wisdom.”

And when asked what he wanted to do when he got older?

“Definitely this,” he said without pause. “This is what I want to do.”

And when asked what else he wanted to say? Without prompting, Abel simply smiled and said, “Come live at Baptist Village.”

It wasn’t rehearsed. It wasn’t said to impress. It was just a sincere invitation from a young man who has found meaning, purpose and belonging in serving others.

--- Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you’re a teen like Abel, a neighbor like Susie, or someone simply looking to give back Baptist Village has a place for you.

A Volunteer Orientation will be held Monday, May 6, at 2 p.m. in the Life Enrichment Room at Baptist Village of Okmulgee, 1500 W. 6th Street.

As Amy said, “It’s an opportunity to minister to the residents - and to allow the residents to minister their purpose and wisdom to others.” Come see what it’s all about.

To learn more, contact Baptist Village at 918-7565377.