Volunteer

Volunteers are an important part of our hospice team. Each volunteer receives extensive training provided by Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care staff. Whether you choose to work directly with patients and families or volunteer with the program's many other areas, your efforts will make a difference in someone's life.

Why  Volunteer?

Many of our volunteers have been a caretaker, a spouse, or a helpmate to someone who is dying. Volunteering is their way of giving back for the care they received during their own time of need.

Who Can Volunteer?

• Medical professionals
• Homemakers
• Business persons
• Retirees
• High school students
• Anyone with compassion to give

Volunteer Activities 

Volunteers work in many ways to support the work of hospice. Some volunteers give the gift of music, others lend their talents to flower arranging, hair styling or pet therapy. Many simply provide the gift of time - to sit with patients while family members take a couple of hours for a much needed break.

Patient Support Services

• Provide patient support to in-home patients – read, assist with letter writing or help a patient keep a journal.
• Assist with various patient support services on the Harris Hospice Unit.
• Offer emotional support to grieving families through our Bereavement Volunteer Team (requires extra training).
• Participate as a delivery volunteer and take fresh flower bouquets or home-grown seasonal produce to patients or deliver freshly made meals to our grieving families.

• Join our Blessings in Bloom team and help with a multitude of tasks – collecting or growing flowers, making bouquets, collecting and washing recycled vases and more.
• Give your talents to arts and crafts, gardening and special projects like selling rosemary plants.

Comfort Services

• Participate in our prayer ministry, music ministry, pet therapy or other special volunteer teams.
• Form a hospitality team to prepare and serve meals for families on the Harris Hospice Unit (especially needed during holidays).
• Become an angel ambassador and knit prayer shawls or make lap quilts for patients and families.

Administrative Support Services

• Administrative support volunteers are needed to provide invaluable help with medical records and other office assignments.
• Join our special skills team and share skills like notary, mechanic, plumbing, electrician, housekeeping and pet care.
• Join our special assignments team to assist with projects like the Jack Matney Memorial Labyrinth, special programs, committees and fundraisers, such as our annual wreath and garland sale and festival fundraiser.

How much time will I need to give?

Volunteers give as much time as they wish; however, our guidelines suggest two to four hours per week. Daytime hours are primarily required, but there is also a need for evening and particularly weekend visitors. Volunteers are asked to make a one-year committment to the agency.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers who will have direct contact with patients and families are prepared for their role through training conducted by hospice staff and experienced volunteers. Other volunteer roles require less formal training, but every volunteer receives a thorough orientation to Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care, and our various services, facilities and programs.

In order to become a volunteer, you will be asked to complete the following requirements:

Volunteer Training

Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care typically offers two volunteer training programs per year; one training takes place in the spring, another in the fall.  The next training will be held in September. Attendance is required at all sessions, and dates are as follows:

• Tuesday, September 13 (6 to 8 p.m.)
• Thursday, September 15 (6 to 8 p.m.)
• Tuesday, September 20 (6 to 8 p.m)
• Thursday, September 22 (6 to 8 p.m.)
• Saturday, September 24 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

For more information on volunteer opportunites with Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care,  call 704-384-6478.