Not-for-profit needs individuals to help families in Muskegon, Big Rapids, Whitehall, Newaygo, Fremont and surrounding communities
MUSKEGON, Mich. (May 14, 2024) – Hospice of Michigan is seeking compassionate volunteers to help patients and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses in communities throughout Muskegon, Big Rapids and the surrounding communities.
The not-for-profit has a specific need for companionship and caregiver relief volunteers to visit patients living at home or in a facility setting, allowing a caregiver to get away for a few hours and recharge. The not-for-profit also welcomes volunteers who can brighten the day of patients through card writing, musical visits and pet visits.
In west Michigan, volunteers like Sandy Hines offer companionship and a listening ear for patients. Hines has been a hospice volunteer for 18 years and understands that hospice is truly a local service – connecting with and supporting neighbors in the community.
“I can’t tell you what interesting people you meet, and stories you hear, through hospice volunteering,” said Hines. “It’s about just spending time with someone. During a patient visit, you have no responsibilities except to be a friend.”
Hospice of Michigan volunteers like Hines are vital in helping to deliver exceptional, compassionate support to patients and families according to its mission of caring for patients wherever they call home, right in the same community in which its volunteers live.
“Hospice is a movement of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lauren Becker-Barkman, Hospice of Michigan volunteer program manager. “We need local individuals to help us continue that tradition in Muskegon, Big Rapids and the outlying communities. Not only will you help foster community connections, but you’ll also help provide compassionate social support for individuals at end of life.”
All volunteers are required to complete orientation, background checks and fingerprinting prior to volunteering. Volunteers must also be age 18 or older.
Volunteers do not need any type of training or previous volunteer experience. The not-for-profit welcomes everyone who would like to give back to their community by donating their time and companionship to patients in hospice care. For those who have experienced a recent loss, Hospice of Michigan requires a waiting period of one year before becoming a hospice volunteer to allow for the processing of grief.
Volunteer training opportunities are provided by Hospice of Michigan’s Volunteer Services staff. Those interested in volunteering can contact Becker-Barkman at 616-250-9110 or lbecker-barkman@hom.org to apply to become a volunteer. To learn more about Hospice of Michigan and apply to become a volunteer, visit hom.org/get-involved.
About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan (HOM) is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. A founding member of the NorthStar Care Community, the not-for-profit delivers the highest quality of care, raising more than $5 million each year to cover costs for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life. HOM also provides grief support and counseling, as well as caregiver education and support. A member of the NorthStar Care Community, HOM also provides palliative care through NorthStar Palliative Care, pediatric hospice care and compassionate support services through Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through the NorthStar Institute. The NorthStar Care Community also includes Arbor Hospice. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 6,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information, call 888-247-5701 or visit www.hom.org.