By JODIE WILLIAMS

 

Now that the holidays are over, and you are starting to think about your New Year’s resolutions, I encourage you to make one of those resolutions to become a Covenant Hospice volunteer. When people think about volunteering for hospice, their first thought may be, “I could never do that,” or “I would be too depressed.” However, talk to a Covenant Hospice volunteer and he or she will tell you a very different story.

Covenant volunteers come from many different backgrounds, ranging from retired persons, to working professionals, active military personnel, high school and college students. They all have one thing in common…a desire to give back, and in that giving they receive so much in return.

Covenant has opportunities for people with diverse skills and interests. Volunteers that are looking for a chance to meet new people and to be active in the community will love Covenant’s Ambassador Program. For those that want to have fun and socialize with others, Covenant’s fundraising events are the perfect fit. Volunteers that enjoy office work or computers can find a home in administrative support. Individuals with care-giving experiences, emotional and spiritual support skills may choose to visit Covenant’s patients and their families.

Persons that have experienced the loss of a loved one understand what families have gone through and make wonderful bereavement volunteers. Volunteers from our communities help to garden, clean yards, make simple home repairs, build ramps, sew, crochet, cook and bake. Volunteers receive specialized training that prepares them to volunteer in their area of interest.

Covenant Hospice makes a promise to our volunteers that they will find a sense of purpose, worthwhile work and the realization that they are making a difference. That’s why more than 2,600 individuals have chosen to give an important part of their lives to Covenant Hospice.

Covenant’s volunteer program has received Awards of Excellence from Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Organization for the Ambassador Volunteer Program, the Reflections Life Review Journal Program, and the Tuck-in Program. The late Sam Goldenberg and his wife, Joyce, long-time Covenant Hospice volunteers, received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

So while you are composing your New Years resolutions, please think about becoming a Covenant Hospice volunteer. I promise it’s a resolution that is easy to keep, as well as very rewarding.

 

Jodie Williams is volunteer services and development manager for Covenant Hospice.