Anyone who has ever experienced a hospice program knows how important volunteers are to the team of caregivers. Hospice volunteers – as soon as they enter the home – provide comfort and meaningful support to the terminally ill and their loved ones.

It means a great deal to have someone there to help ease the burden and offer a needed diversion by staying in the home while family members take a much-needed care break; reading to the client; coordinating activities such as games, music, arts or crafts; or providing emotional and spiritual support at this often stressful time-of-life transition.

Hospice programs, such as our own Hospice of St. Joseph, rely on help from dedicated volunteers to enhance the care provided to clients and their families. Whether college students, homemakers, career individuals or retirees, hospice volunteers represent a wide range of backgrounds, interests and ages. The one common thread is their commitment to helping others.

Because of the increasing demand for hospice services, Hospice of St. Joseph is in need of additional volunteer staff. If you are interested in learning about volunteering through Hospice of St. Joseph, call Jane Folsom or Tom Duplessie at 262-1810 for more information or a volunteer application. The next training session is scheduled to begin Saturday, April 26.

An inspiring quote from William Penn explains so clearly the great value of hospice services and hospice volunteers:

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Diane Galutia is a public affairs associate at St. Joseph Hospital.