A Year of Service in D.C.

At the end of this article, you’ll find a link to an interview with Claire and Kathryn!

“It was what you did, but also the way you did it.”

Last week, we gathered for our Year-Long Volunteer send-off, honoring Kathryn Bowers and Claire Schwalb. Claire travelled from Missouri and Kathryn from Texas, all the way to D.C., choosing to spend a year in service. As we reflected on their time with us, we recognized not only all they accomplished, but the compassion, joy, humility, and dedication with which they accomplished it.

Year-Long Volunteers are an integral part of the Christ House community. Their presence strengthens our daily work and helps create the environment of healing, hope, community, and hospitality that has defined Christ House since 1985. Kathryn and Claire carried on that tradition with grace, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know them.

Claire and Kathryn with their supervisors at the send-off party!

Over the past year, Kathryn and Claire have made an extraordinary impact on the lives of our patients through their compassion, dedication, and joyful service.

Kathryn has transformed everyday life for patients at Christ House by coordinating weekly activities that foster connection and community. From inviting local barbers to “set up shop” in our living room to organizing art classes, collage workshops, lively Bingo nights, and movie evenings complete with popcorn, she has created countless opportunities for joy and engagement. She also established monthly birthday celebrations, making personalized cards and collecting signatures for every patient celebrating a birthday. One gentleman shared that it was the first time anyone had celebrated his birthday in more than a decade.

In addition to her work with patient activities, Kathryn interned in the case management office, where she spent countless hours advocating for patients by working with insurance companies and accompanying them to banks and social service appointments. Her willingness to serve wherever she was needed reflects her deep commitment to our mission.

Claire’s work as a respite care assistant on the second floor has been invaluable to both the patients she serves and the nursing staff she supports. As Mary Jordan, Chief Nursing Officer, put it, “She’s the real deal.” Claire welcomed new patients to the medical floor, recorded vital signs, assisted with daily livings tasks, performed dressing changes, among many other tasks which she jumped into with vigor. She is well-known for her expert hand at wrapping ACE bandages. 

You often hear Claire before you see her, thanks to her infectious laugh and unwavering positivity. Whether working long days, overnight shifts, or navigating the challenges that come with providing compassionate medical care, Claire consistently brings energy, encouragement, and a servant’s heart to every interaction. This is best summed up by her signature phrase, “Living the dream!”.

We are grateful for all that Kathryn and Claire have contributed over the past year. Their kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication have enriched the lives of our patients, strengthened our team, and exemplified the spirit of compassionate care. We are especially excited that Claire will be joining our staff. 

Claire and Kathryn recently sat down for an interview with each other – to listen to their conversation and learn about their experiences serving at Christ House over the past year, please click here.