Give back through our Volunteer Ambassador Program

“When you brighten someone’s day, even a little, it makes all the difference.” – Georgia Albanez

When Georgia Albanez retired, she wanted to give back to her community. She found what she was looking for as a Volunteer Ambassador with Adventist Health White Memorial Montebello. 

A woman stepped into the elevator at Beverly Hospital, looking distraught and confused. Her face was filled with sadness. She seemed disoriented, as if she were unsure of what to do next. Georgia Albanez, who was in the elevator that day, gently asked, “Are you okay?” 

The woman explained that she had just lost her husband of 60 years. Without hesitation, Albanez guided her out of the elevator and into the gift shop, offering her a place to sit and a moment of calm. 

As they sat together, Albanez comforted her with her words and presence. The woman had already called her daughter and was now waiting for her to pick her up. But at that moment, Albanez became the woman’s family. 

This small act of kindness, though brief, was profound. It was a moment of compassion and care that often happens for Volunteer Ambassadors at Adventist Health White Memorial Montebello.  

For Albanez, this is her reason for serving. 

“When you brighten someone’s day, even a little, it makes all the difference,” she says. 

A tradition of volunteer service 

Today, the Volunteer Ambassadors Program at Adventist Health White Memorial Montebello (formerly Beverly Hospital) is a continuation of the Beverly Hospital Guild, founded at Beverly Hospital in 1952. Georgia Albanez joined the Beverly Hospital Guild after her retirement in December 2014 from a 29-year career with the California National Guard.  

Originally from East Los Angeles, Albanez retired to Montebello. In February 2015, she joined the Guild, seeking purpose and a way to stay active. 

“I knew that I wanted to get involved with the community and something that I could help in,” Albanez said. “I attended the member meetings, liked what they had to say, and the ladies were all very nice. By volunteering, I could be helping in the smallest ways. That’s why I joined.” 

It wasn’t long before her warmth and leadership became apparent, and in 2019, Albanez became Guild President. Under her guidance, the Guild raised funds for critical hospital initiatives, including scholarships, a transport van and patient wheelchairs. 

Volunteers not only provide financial support through fundraisers but also create a compassionate environment. 

Join us today in making a difference 

The Volunteer Ambassadors Program thrives because of people like Georgia Albanez and the donors who support their work. Albanez and her team live our mission by comforting, uplifting and giving hope to everyone who enters the hospital.  

But there’s always room for more compassionate community members to join. 

“We need more volunteers,” Albanez says. “There are so many ways to give back and connect with your community. It’s rewarding and it’s fun.” 

Volunteering is another way of giving back and honoring a legacy of service. Whether you have time to give, or knowledge and resources to share, you can contribute to our mission that inspires health, wholeness and hope. 

Sign up to volunteer today. Together, we are stronger!