Make a Difference

There are a variety of support volunteer roles at HMC including:

• Office and clerical for various departments
• Event assistance
• Maintenance assistance
• Philanthropy Support for events
• Mail and pharmacy courier

There are many ways you can make a difference in the lives of others. We are sure that no matter which area you choose, you will enjoy being a part of the Empath Health family of volunteers. Patient and Family Support Volunteers can choose to visit patients in their homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes or our inpatient Hospice of Marion Hospice Houses.

Patient Visits
Provide companionship and support for patients and families in their private homes or care facilities. Visits may include holding a hand, lending a listening ear, playing a game, reading a book out loud, etc.

Hospice Houses
Hospice of Marion County offers three full-service inpatient units throughout the county. Our volunteers support patients and families and staff in a variety of ways including greeting guests, visiting patients and families, answering and directing phone calls, honoring veterans, pet and music visits. Vigil volunteers sit at patient bedsides in their final hours when they have no family or friends to be with them. These volunteers receive special training.

Transitions
Volunteers provide vital linkages to caregivers who need a break for running errands and a friendly face to help cheer up patients and families on a difficult day. This program is popular and the need for these volunteers is great. Just a few hours a week commitment makes an immense impact.

Pet Visitors

Pet visitor volunteers bring their furry companions to visit patients and families. Pets must be certified through an organization that provides liability insurance.  Some suggested resources are: Bright and Beautiful,  Project PUP, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, or Therapy Dogs International. 

End of Life Doulas
They provide emotional and physical support, education, and preparation for end of life.  They also offer comfort and guidance to the patient and family.

Music
Music volunteers play and sing for patients in their rooms and in our lobbies. Those who can sing, play a musical instrument or lead meditation and guided imagery will enjoy this area of volunteering.

Life Story
Volunteers help patients record special memories to be used in the creation of a keepsake booklet. They spend time with patients walking them through the process.

Spiritual Care
Specially trained and screened volunteers assist staff chaplains, provide comfort through prayers offered, sharing religious reading materials of the patient’s choice and offer the gift of presence.

Crafts
Making activity aprons, protective clothing covers, walker bags and other items. We also have many sewing projects available.

Bereavement
Contact families during 13-month follow-up period. Help with grief camps.

Veterans Serving Veterans
As a Veteran Serving Veteran volunteer, you will have the honor of extending a warm hand of friendship to military veterans with serious illness and those nearing the end of life. This service offers a special bond only those with military experiences share and a way to pay tribute to those who have served our country – your military brothers and sisters. Visit military veteran patients, take part in special pinning ceremonies, present appreciation certificates, share holiday events or help interview veterans who share life and military stories.

High school teens age 16 and older have a variety of opportunities to volunteer including in the Thrift Stores and greeting visitors at Hospice Houses.

Please fill-out the teen volunteer application to get the process started.

Volunteers help in a variety of ways at our four Thrift Stores including sorting donations, making displays, ringing up sales and assisting customers on the sales floor.

Nurses assist in non-patient roles, such as administering TB tests to volunteers; massage therapists provide employee or patient massages.