BRMC’s Employee Service League

As two of the leadership officers of Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Employee Service League, Molly Kloss (seated), prenatal care coordinator at Healthy Beginnings Plus, and Stacy Williams, Volunteer Services director, review qualifying application guidelines. Typically, co-workers or supervisors submit the names of employees who should be considered as candidates for assistance.
(Photo Courtesy of BRMC)

By George Nianiatus, senior writer
Communications Department

Striving for independence is an exceedingly common trait of people because it gives them a sense of strength and self-reliance. But sometimes people need help, whether they can admit it or not to themselves.

It’s in these instances when Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Employee Service League shows compassion in a willingness to help co-workers and also the community.

“The Service League can really lift your spirits with the help and support it offers,” says Molly Kloss, who’s prenatal care coordinator at BRMC’s Healthy Beginnings Plus, vice president of the Service League and also a two-time Service League benefactor. The first time the Service League helped Mrs. Kloss was when her family’s home became flooded in 2001.

Three years later, the Service League again came to the rescue when Mrs. Kloss’ husband, Ron, was seriously ill and she had to travel out of town to visit him during treatments. The Service League gave her $150 to defray travel costs.

“It gave me such an emotional lift,” recalls Mrs. Kloss. “It’s just a neat feeling to know that your co-workers care that much -- that they would do that for me.”

Through payroll deduction, the Service League’s goal is to provide employees an opportunity to contribute as a group to worthwhile charitable and service organizations, as well as to their fellow employees in time of need. BRMC employees also can donate some of their vacation time, in four- or eight-hour increments, to co-workers who must deal with a family crisis.

“If your spouse or child is critically ill and you must go to another hospital, the Service League will give a co-worker money that can pay for gasoline, a hotel or food,” says Lisa Larson, Service League president and BRMC’s Risk Management data coordinator.

“We provide assistance to fellow employees in crisis. A crisis, according to our by-laws, is defined as any personal, health (serious illness) or living conditions experienced by an employee and/or their immediate family member,” says Stacy Williams, Service League secretary and BRMC’s Volunteer Services director. “The employees who receive financial assistance are very appreciative of what the Service League can provide,” notes Mrs. Williams.

Employees or supervisors typically nominate co-workers, say Service League officials. There is a Service League Committee comprised of representatives from all hospital departments who meet regularly to review applications. Another leadership officer of the Service League is Ashley Wenner, treasurer, who’s an administrative assistant at BRMC’s McKean County VNA & Hospice. The Service League, in existence for more than 35 years, also does memorials through Bradford Hospital Foundation on behalf of co-workers or their family members who have died, says Mrs. Larson. Additionally, memorials can honor Bradford Hospital Auxiliary or Volunteer Services members. But the 282-member Service League makes an equally important impact to the community. Service organizations, including the United Way of the Bradford Area, also receive funding from the Service League to benefit the community, says Mrs. Larson. Annually, the Service League gives nearly $18,000 to more than a dozen organizations. Of that total, the United Way of the Bradford Area receives $14,000, says Mrs. Williams.

“We are truly honored to be a beneficiary of BRMC’s Service League. The impact that is made by the staff’s contributions is really immeasurable,” says Kristen Luther, the United Way’s executive director.

“Also, our two organizations’ missions are similar in that we are working for the betterment of our local Bradford community. We really appreciate the continued support offered by the employees of Bradford Regional Medical Center,” notes Mandi Davis, the United Way’s assistant director.

Groups or organizations not affiliated with the United Way also can benefit financially from the Service League, says Mrs. Williams. “These recommendations must first go to a committee vote for approval.”

Other groups or organizations benefiting financially from the Service League include the American Cancer Society, Friendship Table, McKean County SPCA, Bradford Area Public Library, BRMC’s Social Services Emergency Fund, the Pavilion at BRMC/Christmas Elf Fund; BRMC’s Bradford Recovery Systems Christmas Fund, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Service League’s Contingency Fund.

As a member of the Service League, an employee authorizes in writing an amount of money to be deducted from his or her check each pay period, explains Mrs. Larson. A fair share is considered to be one hour’s pay per month, but it may be more or less based on the employee’s desire. Fifty cents per pay is the lowest acceptable pledge.