During a time when most people are reflecting on their previous year and considering what they want to do differently for the year to come, HopeWest is offering an opportunity for people to find meaning and joy in the New Year by becoming a HopeWest volunteer.
Bonnie Ball, a Patient and Family Support Volunteer, shared what her experience volunteering at HopeWest for the last few years has been like. “Volunteering is so rewarding, I can’t even describe it, it just touches your heart,” said Ball. “At one time I thought I was volunteering to help other people. Then I realized I was the one getting so much in return.”
The local non-profit hospice, palliative care and grief support organization said its mission – to profoundly change the way the community experiences serious illness, aging and grief one family at a time – wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers that support them.
“Our volunteers really make everything possible at HopeWest,” said Jennifer Allen, Director of Volunteer Resources. “Whether they’re working with patients directly, or behind the scenes in other ways, they make an incredible difference in the lives of many families in our community and they do it by giving the most valuable gift a person could ever give, their time.”
There is a variety of unique volunteer opportunities available at HopeWest. Immediate needs for volunteers include:
- Patient and Family Support
Provide companionship to patients by visiting with them, sharing stories, supporting hobbies, reading to them, running small errands, relieving a caregiver for appointments or providing transportation. - Heirlooms for Hospice
Help creatively display merchandise, greet and assist customers, run the cash register, sorting and repurposing items. - Professional Support
Utilize individual talents as a licensed professional to provide services for patients including: massage therapy, acupuncture therapy, pet therapy, music therapy, dietician services, styling cutting hair, or notary services.
Along with the rewards of getting back more than you give, Ball said, “The beauty of volunteering at HopeWest is that you can always fit volunteering in because they will always adjust to your schedule.”
For more information about volunteering at HopeWest call 970-623-8816 or visit HopeWestCO.org.