Volunteer works with mental health center that helped his family

Where do you turn if someone you love struggles with severe depression or anxiety, behavioral disorders, schizophrenia, self-injury or a developmental disability that prevents him from living life to the fullest?

You would look for services from the nearest mental health center.

Ken Doruff became a volunteer at Alexian Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights out of appreciation for the care his daughter, Sandy, receives from them.

Alexian Center for Mental Health is a nonprofit, comprehensive community mental health center that has been serving the mental health needs of Wheeling and Palatine Township residents for more than 40 years.

Adults and children can receive a variety of support services that address mental health issues. Clients have access to a variety of services, ranging from weekly counseling to extensive assistance with issues of daily living.

"Sandy came here about five years ago, and after she began receiving services through the center, I wanted to become involved," Doruff said. "They have helped her in so many ways."

Since then, Doruff spends one day each week volunteering at the center.

"If he's not here, he's doing something for us elsewhere," said Maxine Goldstein, manager of Community Relations. "He's always helping when we have events."

A resident of Palatine for 45 years, Doruff retired from sales management in 1994. That same year, he had bypass surgery.

"I'm a motivated person. Heart disease made me realize you don't just think about yourself, so I kept myself busy and worked various part-time jobs and became heavily involved with my church," Doruff said.

Doruff began volunteering for the center's Walk-a-Thon in 2004. He went to businesses, restaurants and corporations in the community looking for ads to put in the ad book, donations and auction prizes.

"Before I retired, I had to teach salesmen how to solicit, so I was used to doing this," Doruff said. "I like to meet new people, too."

Next, he joined the group of Alexian Mental Health Center volunteers who put together an annual golf outing. He compiled the entire ad book; money from the ads goes directly to the center.

"I've been in fundraising for 25 years and it's rare to find a volunteer like Ken," said Bob Marovich, director of development. "Ken has a passion for it."

For the upcoming spring concert in April, Doruff is working on obtaining Cubs and Bears tickets to be part of the fundraiser's auction. Goldstein says that he does the "leg work" so that others can provide services to the clients.

"I feel people want to do things to help society," Doruff said, "and there are so many different ways to volunteer."

"Our volunteers help with clerical work, filing, data entry, mailings and committee work," Goldstein said. "We're looking for volunteers to help with our clients. We have social groups and need help with teaching clients how to initiate conversations. Our Friday night dinner in the residential program allows clients to come to the center for dinner and a movie."

A member of St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Doruff is a Sacristan and Eucharist minister at the church. As a Eucharist minister, he visits the sick at Northwest Community Hospital every other Tuesday. The Korean War veteran is also a Knights of Columbus, Third Degree.

He was instrumental in forming the church's Mental Health Ministry in 2004 with the help of the Rev. Ray Yadron, Deacon Tom Dunne and Goldstein.

Meetings are held monthly, with a goal of educating people within the parish and church community about mental illness and to help family members cope with mental illness of their loved one.

He also plans day and sometimes overnight motor coach tours for senior citizens at St. Thomas of Villanova. Cheering at a Cubs games, visiting different ethnic churches in Chicago and going to Holy Hill, Wis., have been popular tours.

Currently, Doruff is working with other staff members of the center to meet members of the community to form partnerships and corporate sponsorships.

"We've contacted the mayors of Palatine, Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect to invite them to join our campaign and work with Alexian Mental Health Center for help with mental health concerns in their towns, villages and cities," Doruff said.

A stained-glass angel in the center's lobby is dedicated to Doruff in appreciation for his volunteerism.

"Ken has done so much for us," Goldstein said. "I personally appreciate all he does. Ken likes to be busy and is so supportive of the work we do. We can count on him; call Ken because he'll get it done."

Doruff and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 52 years. She also volunteers at the center and St. Thomas' food pantry. Two sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren add to the joy in his life.

Two factors are important to Doruff: doing something for people who need help and doing something for the Lord.

"Why am I doing all these things after retirement?" Doruff asked. "Because I am thankful for what God has done for me."

For details about Alexian Center for Mental Health's services or to volunteer, call Maxine Goldstein at (847) 952-7464 or visit www.alexiancenter.org.