Would you like to give back in honor of someone you loved who was cared for by State of the Heart Hospice? Do you want to help local families in their greatest time of need? Are you recently retired and looking for new ways to make a difference in your community? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, consider attending an orientation for new volunteers scheduled by State of the Heart Hospice in September.
The local nonprofit agency has scheduled volunteer orientation on two different days: Saturday, September 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday, September 11, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The orientation will be held at the agency’s Greenville, office, 1350 N. Broadway. Those attending will learn more about the hospice philosophy and the services offered. A social worker, chaplain, music therapist and bereavement specialist will be in attendance, each describing their role in the delivery of hospice care.
“We want all of our volunteers to feel they are prepared before taking on any projects for State of the Heart,” explained Volunteer Coordinator Pauline Faller. “Orientation gives them the information they need about hospice and medical privacy guidelines. We are protecting our patients while also seeing to the best interests of our volunteers. Training is a time investment that helps everyone involved.”
Prospective volunteers must schedule a short interview with Faller prior to orientation. “This interview does not commit you to doing anything,” Faller said. “The interview gives us the chance to talk about your interests and the opportunities for you with State of the Heart. You can decide in this initial meeting if volunteering for hospice is the right choice for you.”
After completing the orientation, volunteers can choose how they want to help, whether it is sitting and visiting with a patient giving family members a break, helping with office tasks and fundraisers, or bringing some other talent or skill to the table. “Once we determine what your skills, interests and experience are, we can find a good fit with you and the agency,” Faller explained.
Volunteers can also choose how many hours they volunteer. It can be as little as one or two hours a week and can be flexible, Faller said. “We appreciate the time given to help and have no requirements on the number of hours volunteered,” she said. And, for those who travel from time to time, there is no problem leaving your volunteer tasks and assuming them once you return.
State of the Heart cares for patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life limiting illness. The agency has cared for patients for more than 30 years.
To get more information about volunteering and to set up a brief meeting with Pauline Faller before orientation begins September 8, call her at 937-548-2999 or e-mail her at pfaller@stateoftheheartcare.org.
