We received the following press release from Emmanuel Hospice.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, Nov. 11, 2024 – Emmanuel Hospice is looking for volunteers in the greater Grand Rapids area to provide companionship and support to patients.
The organization is in particular need of patient/family support volunteers in the northern regions of the metropolitan area, specifically Belmont, Greenville and Sparta. Volunteers with pets are also needed to join the nonprofit’s popular pet visitor program.
“Volunteers are at the core of Emmanuel Hospice and essential to our mission,” Volunteer Coordinator Holly Salas said. “They help bring comfort, joy and dignity to our patients during particularly challenging times. We are looking for community members who have room in their hearts to enhance the lives of patients and their loved ones in meaningful ways.”
Patient/family support volunteers help enhance patients’ quality of life through companionship, one-on-one time and prayer. They spend time listening, reading, sharing positive memories, capturing patients’ life stories and more at the bedside.
Volunteers who participate in the pet visitor program are first trained as patient/family support volunteers, in addition to having their pet certified as a companion animal. Pet visitors and their human companions are specially trained and selected to match each patient’s specific needs, energy level and abilities.
Emmanuel Hospice makes all the arrangements needed for a pet to become certified as a pet visitor on the volunteer’s behalf and covers the certification cost. The process involves documentation of current wellness exams and vaccinations as well as three observation visits.
Other volunteer roles involve making bereavement calls, capturing patient’s life stories, supporting office needs, assisting with community outreach, knitting and card-making.
“I’m passionate about matching the unique skills and interests of prospective volunteers with the right opportunity,” Salas said. “We provide all the training and support you’ll need to be successful, as well as an assignment tailored to your strengths. If you have any interest in volunteering for hospice, I encourage you to reach out for more information.”
All volunteers must first undergo a criminal background check and screening for tuberculosis. They will then complete a self-paced six-hour course of online study to familiarize themselves with hospice care and end-of-life issues.
Those interested are encouraged to email [email protected] or call 616.719.0919 and ask for Holly. More information about volunteer opportunities can be found at EmmanuelHospice.org/volunteer.
Leave a Reply