For Meritus volunteer, a cup of tea or coffee brings smiles, comfort

Sultan Goren had been an assistant middle school principal in Turkey before she came to America about a year ago.

And sometimes, she had to meet with parents or teachers who might not have wanted to meet with her.

“Whether it was a parent or a teacher, when they are nervous, I tell them, ‘Let us have tea or coffee. Come in my office. We can solve the problem,’” Goren said. “It works the same in the U.S.”

That’s one reason why she enjoys volunteering with Tea for the Soul at Meritus Medical Center.

Tea for the Soul started in 2019. Volunteers walk a cart with coffee, tea and hot chocolate to different floors in the hospital, offering a beverage to hospital team members who might need a moment of respite and peace, especially during a busy shift, said Jessica Casey, Meritus director of volunteer services.

“It’s also a way we can thank them for all they do to provide care and compassion to our patients,” she said.

With each cup, Goren also offers a smile.

“I serve because I think, smiling people, it’s good for me,” she said. “I’m happy.”

But she gets more than just smiles by volunteering at the hospital two or three days a week. She learns about U.S. culture and how Meritus operates daily to provide the best healthcare possible to its patients.

The balance of her time is spent as a paraprofessional teacher for Washington County Public Schools and at Hagerstown Community College taking English classes.

Her hope, though, is to get a full-time job working at the hospital.

“My friends said to start as a volunteer,” she said.

From what she’s learned, she is impressed with how the hospital functions.

“Everyone is always helpful with everything.”

After working 20 years in Turkey, she’s come to know when an organization operates at a high level.

“It’s a very good system, Meritus,” she said. “As I continue to work at Meritus Health, I realize even more how valuable the support and help here are. I am so grateful for the chance they have given me.”

For those who might be interested in volunteering, she said she recommends the opportunity, especially if they enjoy smiles.

“A smile always works,” she said. “Everywhere.”

To learn more about volunteering at Meritus Health, visit www.meritushealth.com/volunteers, or call 301-790-8143.