Manatee, Sarasota & DeSoto Counties
One Mission. Many Ways to Serve.
Make a Difference
Wherever you choose to volunteer at Empath Health, there's a place for you. Whether you want to work directly with patients and families or in another role, you can make a big difference in someone's life, including your own.
Thorough training is provided to volunteers and flexible hours and days are available. There are even remote/home based assignments.
If you have a skill or talent you would like to share as a volunteer that is not listed in a category below, please tell us. Some of our most amazing volunteer programs have started because of innovative and talented volunteers!
The Values Our Volunteers Bring to
Full Life Care
Opportunity Types
Teens
Teens
Bring your energy, compassion, and curiosity — we'll help you make an impact.
Teen volunteers are an important part of our mission. Whether you're exploring career paths in healthcare, looking for community service hours, or simply want to brighten someone's day, your time and presence matter. You'll grow in confidence, empathy, and connection while making a real difference.
Presence + Comfort
Presence + Comfort
Companionship. Conversation. Quiet support. It all matters.
Presence + Comfort volunteers offer warmth, connection, and relief to patients and families in moments that matter most. Whether it's reading a book, making a call, sharing music, or simply sitting in silence, these volunteers are a vital part of how we deliver Full Life Care with dignity and love.
Essential Support
Essential Support
Every task supports care. Every hour moves our mission forward.
These are the steady hands behind the scenes. From organizing donations to answering phones, greeting guests, helping with mailings, or delivering supplies — this work ensures that patients, families, and teams have what they need to focus on what matters most.
Opportunities for Teen Volunteers:
- Visit with patients in care centers or senior care facilities
- Help patients preserve their stories and memories through one-on-one legacy writing sessions
- Explore your creative side by leading art, music or games at Empath LIFE
- Help with office tasks like filing, preparing packets, and assembling mailings
- Support events by welcoming guests, setting up supplies, or preparing materials
- Serve in resale shops sorting donations, tidying displays, and greeting customers
- Participate in special summer or holiday volunteer programs
Opportunities for Presence + Comfort Volunteers:
- Visit patients in homes, assisted living, nursing facilities, and care centers
- Provide companionship and respite for caregivers
- Sit vigil with patients nearing the end of life
- Become an end-of-life doula
- Offer telephone check-ins to provide comfort and identify needs
- Share music, art, reiki, or massage therapy
- Visit patients with your certified therapy pet
- Support veterans through visits, pinning ceremonies, and storytelling (including Veterans History Project interviews and appreciation events)
Opportunities for Essential Support Volunteers:
- Support resale shop operations at Tidewell Treasures (sorting, pricing, displays, cashiering)
- Lead or assist with group volunteer projects through your workplace or community group
- Greet and assist guests at welcome centers
- Provide office support, like phone calls and data entry
- Create comfort items like pillows, blankets, legacy books, or knitted gifts from home or with sewing groups
FAQs
How often do I need to volunteer?
As a volunteer, will I be working directly with patients?
That's up to you. We offer both direct patient support roles and non-patient roles such as administrative help, thrift store service and hospitality at care centers. Volunteers who wish to support patients and families will receive specialized training and complete additional screening.
What if I want to give back to Empath but don’t know what kind of volunteering is right for me?
How old do teens need to be to volunteer?
Teen volunteers should be in high school or at least 14 years of age. And yes! You can earn service hours.
What is the screening process to become a volunteer?
All volunteers complete an interview, provide references, and undergo a background screening. Those volunteering with patients also complete fingerprinting and a TB test. These steps help ensure the safety of our patients, families, staff, and volunteers.
What training is provided?
Volunteers attend a general orientation session that covers Empath Health's mission, volunteer roles, and expectations. If you're supporting patients and families directly, an additional training session will prepare you with the knowledge and confidence to offer meaningful care. We also provide ongoing training throughout the year to help deepen your skills and expand your impact.
Can I volunteer with a group or as part of a community service project?
Yes. We welcome service clubs, school groups, corporate teams, and faith communities looking to make a difference together. Group volunteering opportunities include everything from working in our resale stores and helping with comfort items and crafts for patients, to organizing donation drives and supporting special events. Let us know your group's interests and we'll help coordinate a meaningful experience.
Are there opportunities for virtual or remote volunteering?
In some cases, yes. While many roles take place in person, we offer remote options like making various calls to patients. Ask us what's currently available in your area—we're always evolving to meet the needs of our community and volunteers.
Can volunteering help me explore a career in healthcare or social work?
Absolutely. Many of our volunteers go on to pursue careers in nursing, social work, counseling, and other caring professions. Volunteering offers firsthand experience with interdisciplinary teams and meaningful connections with patients and families. It's a powerful way to discover your path—and make a real impact along the way.
