Faye Baylor Recognized for Volunteer Service with Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Faye Baylor, a volunteer with the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, was honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Volunteer of the Year Award at this month’s Institute & Expo.  

The award recognizes individuals who volunteer in older adult services for their dedication, commitment and positive impact on the lives of seniors and their communities.

“Faye Baylor’s mission in life is to help others. She believes older adults have a sense of purpose and spends her time creating activities, programs and relationships that touch hearts and change lives,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “We are honored to recognize Faye for her passion, her commitment, her dedication and her kindness – all of which are making a positive difference in the lives of veterans, older adults and the entire community of Fergus Falls.”

Pictured (l to r): Nancy Stratman, Chair, LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors; Faye Baylor; Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota; and Sara Sterling, LeadingAge Minnesota Awards & Recognition Committee Chair.

Faye has volunteered for six years at the Veterans Home. She volunteers four to six days a week and had the highest number of volunteer hours – 800 in total – last year. She also is a dedicated volunteer in the community with more than 30 years of service to such organizations as The Welcome House, Habitat for Humanity and Lake Region Hospital. She also prepares meals for various people throughout the year and provides rides to several people in the Fergus Falls community.

“During my time in long-term care and throughout my experiences seeing people helping the aging, I have never seen anyone work as hard, care as much, and put in the hours that Faye Baylor does to help our aging, our veterans and our community,” said Scott Buchanan, Administrator, Minnesota Veterans Home – Fergus Falls.

In addition to assisting with physical and occupational therapy, Faye creates activities to encourage residents to remain active and engaged. One activity Faye created at the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls is the Shadow Box project. She spends time with each resident, getting to know their interests, hobbies, work history, family life and military experiences, and then creatively designs a Shadow Box that accurately reflects the lives of a veteran or spouse of a veteran. The Shadow Boxes have become treasured family heirlooms.

“Each resident has a story to tell, and Faye Baylor is making this happen,” said Deanna Mounts, Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator, Minnesota Veterans Home-Fergus Falls. “She is one of a kind who takes no credit for all she does, but is quick to compliment or encourage other volunteers, residents and staff.”

For more information, watch Faye Baylor, LeadingAge Minnesota Volunteer of the Year.