On April 11, Independent Sector, in partnership with IMPLAN, announced that the latest estimated value of a volunteer hour is $25.43. In 2018, HopeWest volunteers contributed 78,685 hours of work and based on this national figure, these hours equal more than $2 million!
While we believe the worth of our volunteers cannot be measured by dollars alone, we celebrate this incredible contribution volunteers made to our communities.
At HopeWest, volunteers are generosity in action, adding another layer of compassionate care for our patients through the many departments and capacities they serve. Visiting patients and families, giving haircuts, fixing computers, baking birthday cakes, and tending our gardens are just some of the ways our volunteers provide support.
Throughout April, HopeWest hosts appreciation luncheons to recognize our 1,400 volunteers, across western Colorado, for their tireless commitment to profoundly change the way our communities experience aging, serious illness and grief – one family at a time.
“The word gratitude is not enough to convey our deep appreciation and recognition of the essential role volunteers play in helping HopeWest meet its mission,” said Christy Whitney, HopeWest President and CEO. “It simply could not happen without our volunteer governing Board of Directors and the many advisory boards providing essential guidance and leadership, or without the support of every volunteer contributing time and talent. No volunteer is taken for granted.”
While recognizing this remarkable support, HopeWest is still in significant need of volunteers.
“Last year, only half of the 2,500 patients HopeWest served, received regular volunteer support,” said Joanna Stortz, HopeWest Director of Volunteer Services. “Volunteers improve the quality of life for our patients by addressing social and practical needs such as reading to patients or providing respite for caregivers. We urge anyone who wants to make a profound difference in the lives of others to join us.”
For more information about volunteering at HopeWest visit HopeWestCO.org/Volunteer or call 970-241-2212 to connect to the program near you.
About HopeWest
Founded in 1993 through a community-wide vision, HopeWest is a nonprofit hospice, palliative care and grief support organization now serving more than 4,000 individuals each year across 8,000 square miles of western Colorado in Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Ouray and Rio Blanco Counties.
About Independent Sector
Independent Sector is the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse set of nonprofits, foundations, and corporations to advance the common good. Learn more at independentsector.org.
