one mission

many ways to serve

a person holding a baby
Close-up of hands gently resting on a lap, showing aged skin and light pink painted nails.

3,700

individual volunteers

Two men in white shirts share a joyful conversation outdoors with greenery in the background.

355K

volunteer hours

how compassion and empathy

add up

When people choose to give their time, something powerful happens. Across our communities, volunteers create meaningful moments, lighten burdens, and help make Full Life Care possible. Their collective impact reaches further than we can measure — but we feel it every day.

more than helpers, 

Empath volunteers are...

Eternally Hopeful

Sit quietly. Share a smile. Bring light when it's needed most. Our volunteers show up with open hearts and steady presence — reminding people they're never alone.

Profoundly Helpful

Welcome visitors. Address envelopes. Feed a pet. Ring up a sale. Whatever the task, our volunteers are always ready to lend a hand — with care, compassion, and zero hesitation.

Lovingly Truthful

Listen deeply. Speak kindly. Show up just as you are. Our volunteers bring honesty and warmth to every moment, honoring each story with empathy and respect.

ConfidentlySkillful

Play the piano. Lead an art project. Offer a gentle massage. Our volunteers bring their whole selves — trained, prepared, and ready to share skills that make a real difference.

Courageously Impactful

Hold a hand. Honor a veteran. Walk alongside someone through grief. It takes courage to show up in life's tender moments — and our volunteers do it with heart, every time.

in their words: 

why they give. what they receive.

I can see what the patient needs and then give them that hand rub, or put some music on. I have a need to give, and that need is fulfilled here.

Mollie Rae

Palliative Arts Volunteer

Empath was there for me with my mom and my husband, so volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Stepping into other folks' homes and lives is truly a privilege.

Pamela

Palliative Arts Volunteer

I thought the only way to give back to hospice was to sit with patients. When I found out about the resale shops, I knew I wanted to help.

Linda

Resale Shop Volunteer

My time volunteering has helped me grow. I used to be reserved and shy. Now I initiate conversations and help lead. Seeing a care center resident walk by chalk art I've drawn shows me the impact I've made.

Isabel

Teen Volunteer

Paka has become very popular. He goes into dementia units. As soon as people see him, they smile and say, 'Hi dog!' Five minutes later, they may not remember, but at that moment, we made their day.

Fred + Paka

Empath Volunteer + Therapy Dog

three paths

to making a difference

Teens

Bring your energy, compassion, and curiosity — we'll help you make an impact.

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

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 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

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.

how our volunteers in pinellas and hillsborough counties

make it happen

These are just some of the meaningful ways our volunteers make a difference. If you have a specific interest, skill, or idea, we'll help you find the right place to plug in. There's always room for more heart, more help, and more ways to serve.

teen 
volunteers

visit with patients

in hospice houses or senior care facilities

explore their creative sides

with craft projects, Cheer Teams or patient birthday celebrations

power our resale shops

by sorting donations, tidying displays and greeting customers

interview and record

patient stories through the Lifetime Legacies program

provide office support

by assisting with tasks like filing, preparing packets and assembling mailings

pitch in at special events

like summer or holiday celebrations by welcoming guests, setting up or preparing materials

presence + comfort volunteers

visit with patients and caregivers

in homes, assisted living, nursing facilities and hospice houses

use their talents

like music, art, reiki, massage therapy or end-of-life doula care

provide companionship and respite

to caregivers of participants at Empath LIFE

connect with the grieving

through visits or phone calls that remind them they're not alone

honor veterans

through visits, pinning ceremonies, and storytelling (including Veterans History Project interviews and appreciation events)

share four-legged joy

through gentle visits with their certified therapy animal

essential support volunteers

provide office support

like phone calls, data entry, scanning and filing

lead creative group activities

at Empath LIFE, like sewing and games

power our resale shops

by sorting, pricing, arranging displays and working as cashiers

greet and assist

visitors at welcome center


restock and organize

food pantries and donations at EPIC locations

lend a hand

at fundraising and community events or by delivering essential supplies and assisting with light maintenance

thinking about volunteering?

you probably have questions

We know that taking the step to volunteer is a meaningful decision — and it's normal to have questions before you begin. Whether you're wondering about training, time commitments, or finding the right fit, this section is here to help. Let's walk through what you need to know to get started with confidence.

How often do I need to volunteer?

We welcome volunteers with a variety of availability. Many choose to give a few hours each week, while others support special events or seasonal needs. Some roles, like teen volunteering, have a set minimum commitment, but we'll work with you to find the right fit for your schedule and our programs.

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, but I don’t know what kind of volunteering is right for me?

That's more common than you think—and it's a great place to start. When you apply to volunteer, we'll talk with you about your interests, experiences, and availability. Whether you love connecting with people, prefer working behind the scenes, have a creative skill, or simply want to help where it's needed most, we'll help you explore roles that match your talents and passions. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to volunteering—and that's what makes it so powerful.

How old do teens need to be to volunteer?

To become a teen volunteer, you must be at least 14 years old and live or attend high school in Pinellas or Hillsborough County. 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 tuberculosis test. These steps help ensure the safety of our patients, families, staff, and volunteers.

What training is provided?

Volunteers attend a general orientation day that covers Empath Health's mission, volunteer roles, and expectations. If you're supporting patients and families directly, an additional training day 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.

one mission

many ways to serve

a person holding a baby
Close-up of hands gently resting on a lap, showing aged skin and light pink painted nails.

3,700

individual volunteers

Two men in white shirts share a joyful conversation outdoors with greenery in the background.

355K

volunteer hours

how compassion and empathy

add up

When people choose to give their time, something powerful happens. Across our communities, volunteers create meaningful moments, lighten burdens, and help make Full Life Care possible. Their collective impact reaches further than we can measure — but we feel it every day.

more than helpers, 

Empath volunteers are...

Eternally Hopeful

Sit quietly. Share a smile. Bring light when it's needed most. Our volunteers show up with open hearts and steady presence — reminding people they're never alone.

Profoundly Helpful

Welcome visitors. Address envelopes. Feed a pet. Ring up a sale. Whatever the task, our volunteers are always ready to lend a hand — with care, compassion, and zero hesitation.

Lovingly Truthful

Listen deeply. Speak kindly. Show up just as you are. Our volunteers bring honesty and warmth to every moment, honoring each story with empathy and respect.

ConfidentlySkillful

Play the piano. Lead an art project. Offer a gentle massage. Our volunteers bring their whole selves — trained, prepared, and ready to share skills that make a real difference.

Courageously Impactful

Hold a hand. Honor a veteran. Walk alongside someone through grief. It takes courage to show up in life's tender moments — and our volunteers do it with heart, every time.

in their words: 

why they give. what they receive.

I can see what the patient needs and then give them that hand rub, or put some music on. I have a need to give, and that need is fulfilled here.

Mollie Rae

Palliative Arts Volunteer

Empath was there for me with my mom and my husband, so volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Stepping into other folks' homes and lives is truly a privilege.

Pamela

Palliative Arts Volunteer

I thought the only way to give back to hospice was to sit with patients. When I found out about the resale shops, I knew I wanted to help.

Linda

Resale Shop Volunteer

My time volunteering has helped me grow. I used to be reserved and shy. Now I initiate conversations and help lead. Seeing a care center resident walk by chalk art I've drawn shows me the impact I've made.

Isabel

Teen Volunteer

Paka has become very popular. He goes into dementia units. As soon as people see him, they smile and say, 'Hi dog!' Five minutes later, they may not remember, but at that moment, we made their day.

Fred + Paka

Empath Volunteer + Therapy Dog

three paths

to making a difference

Teens

Bring your energy, compassion, and curiosity — we'll help you make an impact.

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

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 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

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.

how our volunteers in pinellas and hillsborough counties

make it happen

These are just some of the meaningful ways our volunteers make a difference. If you have a specific interest, skill, or idea, we'll help you find the right place to plug in. There's always room for more heart, more help, and more ways to serve.

teen 
volunteers

visit with patients

in hospice houses or senior care facilities

explore their creative sides

with craft projects, Cheer Teams or patient birthday celebrations

power our resale shops

by sorting donations, tidying displays and greeting customers

interview and record

patient stories through the Lifetime Legacies program

provide office support

by assisting with tasks like filing, preparing packets and assembling mailings

pitch in at special events

like summer or holiday celebrations by welcoming guests, setting up or preparing materials

presence + comfort volunteers

visit with patients and caregivers

in homes, assisted living, nursing facilities and hospice houses

use their talents

like music, art, reiki, massage therapy or end-of-life doula care

provide companionship and respite

to caregivers of participants at Empath LIFE

connect with the grieving

through visits or phone calls that remind them they're not alone

honor veterans

through visits, pinning ceremonies, and storytelling (including Veterans History Project interviews and appreciation events)

share four-legged joy

through gentle visits with their certified therapy animal

essential support volunteers

provide office support

like phone calls, data entry, scanning and filing

lead creative group activities

at Empath LIFE, like sewing and games

power our resale shops

by sorting, pricing, arranging displays and working as cashiers

greet and assist

visitors at welcome center


restock and organize

food pantries and donations at EPIC locations

lend a hand

at fundraising and community events or by delivering essential supplies and assisting with light maintenance

thinking about volunteering?

you probably have questions

We know that taking the step to volunteer is a meaningful decision — and it's normal to have questions before you begin. Whether you're wondering about training, time commitments, or finding the right fit, this section is here to help. Let's walk through what you need to know to get started with confidence.

How often do I need to volunteer?

We welcome volunteers with a variety of availability. Many choose to give a few hours each week, while others support special events or seasonal needs. Some roles, like teen volunteering, have a set minimum commitment, but we'll work with you to find the right fit for your schedule and our programs.

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, but I don’t know what kind of volunteering is right for me?

That's more common than you think—and it's a great place to start. When you apply to volunteer, we'll talk with you about your interests, experiences, and availability. Whether you love connecting with people, prefer working behind the scenes, have a creative skill, or simply want to help where it's needed most, we'll help you explore roles that match your talents and passions. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to volunteering—and that's what makes it so powerful.

How old do teens need to be to volunteer?

To become a teen volunteer, you must be at least 14 years old and live or attend high school in Pinellas or Hillsborough County. 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 tuberculosis test. These steps help ensure the safety of our patients, families, staff, and volunteers.

What training is provided?

Volunteers attend a general orientation day that covers Empath Health's mission, volunteer roles, and expectations. If you're supporting patients and families directly, an additional training day 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.

one mission

many ways to serve

a person holding a baby
Close-up of hands gently resting on a lap, showing aged skin and light pink painted nails.

3,700

individual volunteers

Two men in white shirts share a joyful conversation outdoors with greenery in the background.

355K

volunteer hours

how compassion and empathy

add up

When people choose to give their time, something powerful happens. Across our communities, volunteers create meaningful moments, lighten burdens, and help make Full Life Care possible. Their collective impact reaches further than we can measure — but we feel it every day.