Governing for Results 13 - Washington State Digital Archives

Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Sharing is Caring - Christmas 2000
In order to provide a more personalized and “homelike” Christmas for the residents of
the Washington Veterans Home at Retsil, a staff team comprised of Activities, Nursing,
and Social Work brainstormed the idea of developing a database. The database would
house personal data identifying a wide range of demographic information, interest and
needs of the residents. This team worked together to gather data on each individual
resident’s personal interest, hobbies, military service and a list of what the resident
would like to receive as Christmas gifts.
The database also includes volunteer information, organization contact information, and
other resident needs that remain unfunded. The database allows for generating a
variety of lists and labels all while maintaining resident confidentiality. The database
also provides a centralized information storehouse for data on non-budgeted needs.
Results
★ The database allowed for the residents to receive personalized gifts from the
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
★ The database allowed for the generous number of generic gifts (donated by
Fort Lewis and MCChord AFB AFEES, The Elks, Eagles, VFW post and
Auxiliaries, American Legion and Auxiliaries) to be distributed to residents
with additional request.
★ Several monetary donations/grants were made that were to be used for
specific needs. The database was searched and a replacement Public
Address System for the auditorium is now being purchased as well as a CD
Juke box with CD's.
Team Name: Project Sharing is Caring
Team Members: Carol Denton, Catherine Shaw, Mary Ann Hemple, Bill
Shea, Dewey Abbott, Tami Reuter, Mitsy Barnes, Dan Caton, Brenda
McCormick, Diane Benjamin, Ed Dolle, Nursing Department direct care staff;
Team Leaders: Ed Dolle, Catherine Shaw
CONTACT: Catherine Shaw, (360) 895-4363
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