Gwen Davis, a dedicated volunteer with the Santee-Lynches Long-Term Care Volunteer Ombudsman Program, has been recognized with the prestigious Daily Point of Light Award, an honor that highlights individuals across the nation who are making a positive impact through volunteer service.
The award, established in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush, celebrates Davis as honoree #8078 for her commitment to advocating for residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities across Sumter County. Davis, who spent her professional career with the Santee-Lynches Council of Governments, retired as director of workforce development but continues to make a difference in the lives of others.
“For Gwen Davis, it’s more than just volunteering—it’s a lifelong mission,” the Daily Point of Light Foundation shared. “She ensures residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Over the last six and a half years, Davis has visited local facilities, listening to residents’ concerns, providing resources, and helping families understand and uphold the rights of their loved ones. Her advocacy includes addressing concerns about care, reporting cases of abuse or neglect, and empowering others to speak up.
“I didn’t want to waste my days doing nothing or doing things that were unproductive,” Davis said. “Families are so busy sometimes and don’t always get a chance to come by. My visits supplement those family visits, or in some cases may be the only one a resident receives.”
Her role has brought light to those in some of life’s most vulnerable chapters. She regularly visits with six to ten residents at a time and checks on familiar faces while introducing herself to new ones, providing encouragement and support.
When asked about the most rewarding part of her work, Davis shared, “The biggest reward is knowing that I’m making a difference in someone’s life. When one of your regular residents knows you’re coming to visit, their eyes light up.”
Davis, a longtime Jehovah’s Witness, says the desire to help others was instilled in her early on. “Even growing up, I was always willing to help somebody wherever there was a need. Volunteering is one of the things that we do. You don’t have to get something in return for everything, but if you can help somebody else, when you’re in need, somebody’s probably going to help you, too.”
She encourages others not to be deterred by time commitments. “Whatever time you can fit in makes a difference. Look at it as a reward. You’ll always walk out feeling better than you did before, because you’ve helped somebody, and it didn’t cost much more than your time.”
Davis hopes her work inspires others to remember those who may be overlooked. “We live in a fast-paced world where so much of the focus is on self, and we forget about the person on the sideline that may not be able to have the life that they once had.”
For more information about the Santee-Lynches Volunteer Ombudsman Program, or to learn how to become involved, visit santeelynches.org.
