TMI Clients Bring Comfort & Joy to Inland Valley Hospital: A Partnership of Purpose
- Ginger Cohen - TMI Director of Corporate Communications
- 24 hours ago
- 6 min read
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is overjoyed to announce the expansion of our successful partnership with Southwest Healthcare to include Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar! This exciting new chapter, spearheaded by the tireless dedication of TMI Direct Support Professional (DSP) Robin Harrington, builds upon the incredible achievements of our clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities volunteering at Rancho Springs Hospital. Our clients are now actively engaged at Inland Valley, working alongside nurses and bringing invaluable support and heartwarming interactions to patients and staff.
Robin's vision for this partnership stemmed from a desire to find a job site where our clients could grow, learn new skills, contribute to their community, and most importantly, feel valued, seen, and appreciated. This vision resonated deeply with Brian Connors, Director of Marketing & Volunteers at Rancho Springs & Inland Valley Hospitals, and from that shared passion, the partnership was born.
The initial collaboration at Rancho Springs Hospital has been a resounding success for over a year, with hospital staff affectionately calling our clients the "dream team." Recognizing this potential for growth, Brian facilitated a meeting between Robin, TMI Director of Community Integration Training Program Temecula/Corona Melissa Rapoza, and Shannon Hankinson, RN, RD, and Manager of Medical/Surgical/Telemetry at Inland Valley Hospital. Shannon’s enthusiasm mirrored Robin’s, and she immediately began identifying tasks where TMI clients could assist her nursing staff.
Making a Difference: The Role of TMI Clients at Inland Valley Hospital
TMI clients at Inland Valley Hospital make a significant impact, taking on a variety of crucial responsibilities:
Assembling Hospital Bins: Clients efficiently put together essential hospital bins for new patients, containing items like water pitchers, cups, toothbrushes, and combs. This is a vital task that greatly assists busy nurses.
Stocking Red Alert Caddies: They meticulously stock red alert caddies with N95 masks, gowns, and gloves, ensuring that medical staff have immediate access to protective clothing before entering patient rooms.
Patient Visitation and Support: Perhaps the most impactful task is visiting with patients. Clients use a list to inquire about patient needs, offering snacks, hygiene products, blankets, refilling water pitchers, and even bringing coffee or sandwiches. The hospital is even preparing to roll out a hospitality cart with our clients in mind, which they eagerly anticipate.
Transformative Impact on Clients
The experience of volunteering at the hospital has been transformative for TMI clients. Robin has witnessed "astronomical" growth in them, as the hospital has given them a profound sense of purpose. They wear their uniforms with pride, feeling like a valued part of a team, and are consistently acknowledged, respected, and appreciated. They are continually learning new skills with every volunteer shift.
(Erin, Cassie & Karljon)
Individual client stories further highlight this profound impact:
Erin, the Social Butterfly: Erin is adored by patients due to her compassionate and empathetic nature. She excels at ensuring each patient has everything they need for a comfortable stay.
Cassie's Tremendous Growth: Cassie has shown remarkable growth, learning to act and think independently, taking initiative, and being proactive.
Karljon, the Dedicated Worker: Karljon is a diligent worker who requires minimal direction and takes immense pride in his tasks. Shannon even gives him personal assignments, such as writing thank you notes from staff to patients, which he thoroughly enjoys.
TMI DSP Mandi Telford shares her observations about our client Typhanee: "She is a sweet young woman who is very courteous and respectful to others. She is a hard worker and is very precise." Mandi notes that Typhanee has learned new skills and improved her communication, gaining a sense of purpose by helping both patients and staff.
"It gives me a sense of pride to see her commitment to helping others, and to see her learning new skills," Mandi adds. She believes Typhanee's presence benefits patients by connecting with them and offering comfort, noting, "The patients always compliment her smile. It brightens their day."
TMI DSP Heather Clapper also shares her positive experience: "Our work at Inland Valley Hospital has been a great success for both of my clients. Daisy loves meeting the patients, and Elianna loves putting together the new patient bins. The staff there have been amazing to work with. I have seen Daisy and Elianna grow in confidence while working there."
A Win-Win for Hospital Staff and Patients
The nursing staff at Inland Valley Hospital are incredibly grateful for the contributions of our TMI clients. In a fast-paced environment, our clients assist with numerous tasks that staff often don't have time for, significantly lightening their load.
(TMI Clients Elianna, Daisy, Amber, Kaitlyn, & Nikki)
Brian perfectly encapsulates the hospital's appreciation: "Southwest Healthcare Auxiliary is so grateful for our relationship with TMI. Their dedication to the volunteer program has been unmatched. Without question, they give their whole heart and soul to those they serve."
Shannon beautifully articulates the profound impact: "TMI has become a bright and uplifting presence at Inland Valley Hospital, bringing comfort, connection, and meaningful moments to both patients and staff." She emphasizes that "whether it’s offering a warm blanket, sharing a laugh, or simply showing up with a kind smile, these individuals provide more than just companionship—they bring warmth, joy, and a genuine sense of belonging." For patients, these visits are "a powerful reminder that they’re not alone, and that human connection remains a vital part of the healing process." Shannon concludes, "At its heart, TMI is about people helping people—in quiet, meaningful ways that leave a lasting impact. Because sometimes, healing begins with a smile, and grows through compassion, connection, and everyday acts of kindness."
Looking Ahead
Robin’s vision for this partnership continues to expand. The plan includes adding four more TMI groups at Inland Valley, expanding groups on the floor at Rancho Springs, and even extending the program to Corona Regional Medical Center. For Robin, seeing her vision realized and witnessing our clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals has been the greatest reward and one of her greatest honors.
“The benefits of this partnership are truly substantial, positively impacting our clients, the community, and Southwest Healthcare by fostering a sense of purpose, meaning, passion, and perseverance,” said TMI CEO Dr. Rachel Harris. “We are grateful to Robin for all that she did to make her dreams for our clients a reality and we feel confident our partnership will continue to grow and flourish. Thank you, Southwest Healthcare!”
(Thank you to our superstar, Robin, for contributing to this story! Thank you also to portraitsbyjen for these wonderful photos!)
If you are interested in TMI clients being contributing members of your organization either as paid employees or volunteers, please contact us today!
If you are interested in learning more about TMI's services, please visit our services page or call us at (800) 877-5452. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Community Integration Training Program (CITP) is designed as a vocational and social skills training program to recognize, develop and build the necessary skills for our clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in their community, all at the level at which the client chooses. Clients generally start the process by volunteering throughout the community at various sites. They continue at their own speed, in line with their desires and abilities, while working toward their own personal goals.
Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, California, is a progressive acute care facility and medical center that serves as Southwest Riverside County's only trauma center. The facility provides emergency medical services, spine and joint services, weight-loss surgery, diagnostic imaging, stroke treatment, rehabilitation and more. Inland Valley Hospital is proud to be a part of Southwest Healthcare, a comprehensive network of care with convenient hospital and ambulatory locations.
Founded in 1981, Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and veterans with disabilities. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living Services and Family Support Services. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion. Please consider making a donation to assist us with transforming lives for many more years to come. We thank you in advance! Tax ID# 33-0185759
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