Cindy Bryce nominated for the 2008 Volunteer of the Year recognition by the residents of Grandma’s House in Bend

Grandma’s House of Bend website states Cindy’s nominating qualifications as follows:

“In her six years as a volunteer at Grandma’s House, Cindy has become like a family member to the teen mothers and babies.  Cindy generously shares her time on a weekly basis by volunteering every Monday evening as house mom and in addition as a nurse.

Cindy has played a critical role in supporting the young mothers when their babies are ill which is a time when they need help, support and validation the most.  Cindy is a caregiver in the finest sense. She will help the girls put delicious meals together, console a broken heart, and help a young mom with a sick or cranky baby, and often all in the same evening. 

The depth of Cindy’s compassion for this high risk population is admirable.  She celebrates their accomplishments, encourages them through disappointments and extends this wonderful part of herself to the staff as well, becoming a cherished friend. 

Cindy is a loving, dedicated, and committed part of the Grandma’s House team.  In addition, Cindy has volunteered for many years at Bend Community Center serving meals to the homeless in our community.  Grandma’s House feels blessed to have Cindy Bryce.”

Grandma’s House provides safe housing or respite care for homeless or abused pregnant or parenting teenage girls, ages 12 through 19. Bryce has volunteered there for six years, and goes every Monday evening.

“I’m called a house mom,” she says.  “I get to hold the babies and do whatever they need me to do: fix dinner, check in with them to listen while they talk, hold the baby while mom takes a shower, hang out and watch television, just talking.

"What I really like about my role at Grandma’s House is that I can go there and just be me.  I love it.  I don’t have any grandchildren. It’s a no pressure environment.”

Bryce serves the PMH Laboratory as a medical technologist.