AS BARRINGTON AREA VOLUNTEER CONNECTION (BAVC) starts its 3rd year, we are excited to profile longtime Barrington resident and volunteer, Nancy Bergen. 

Nancy and her husband, Dave, were Barrington High School sweethearts, graduating in 1975. They went to University of Wisconsin-Madison, then lived in Palatine for the family business and moved back to Barrington area (Inverness) in February 2002 as empty nesters. 

CURRENT VOLUNTEERING

I have been involved with Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital since 2011 in various roles as a volunteer. I was part of the pet therapy program for 11 years there, patient relations, and for the past six years at the Catchpenny Resale Shop, which is associated with the Auxiliary. I am the official “window dresser” there! I also continue to volunteer for special hospital events, like Art in the Barn. I am also an occasional volunteer at the Barrington White House, and volunteer weekly with the POPS program through Barrington Children’s Charities. 

BAVC CONNECTION

While I did not use the BAVC’s platform to find these volunteer opportunities (as I have been a part of these before the platform was created), I have referred friends to it that are looking for opportunities.

I do receive the weekly (BAVC) email blast with new “Needs” listed, as I sometimes am interested in picking up a onetime/ occasional commitment ( i.e., Barrington Giving Day as an example). It is an easy site to follow. 

WHY I VOLUNTEER

After retiring from the Palatine School District almost 10 years ago, I was looking to add something else to my volunteer repertoire, while still doing the pet therapy at Good Shepherd. I chose to be a volunteer greeter with Patient Relations. After a few years, I decided to just commit to one hospital day and try a retail atmosphere and started at Catchpenny. 

I have loved every single assignment. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their life stories. I am very grateful and lucky to give of myself and my time. I am fortunate to be part of the Barrington community that offers so many opportunities to volunteer! 

Join BAVC now! Simply create a volunteer profile at www.thebavc.org and start your year with something new! Visit: volunteer.theBAVC.org.