Volunteering at St. John Hospice

Hospice Volunteer Program

Volunteers are needed to help patients in many ways. The volunteers can choose from a variety of functions that include: offering companionship by making home visits, making telephone calls, running errands, and other services that are needed by the patients, caregivers, and families. Training to become part of the Hospice Program will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteer scheduling will be at the convenience of the volunteer.

If you are interested, please contact,  Volunteer Services, 800-248-2298 for more information.

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”
- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

The special heart and spirit of St. John Hospice is truly exemplified through the trained volunteers. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate and devote their time and talents in many ways. St. John Hospice recognizes the value of utilizing volunteers in its effort to meet its goal of providing quality care for patients, caregivers, and families. Volunteers provide a valuable service and are a necessary and vital component of the hospice interdisciplinary team. Their contribution of time, support, and service help supplement the care provided by the remaining hospice staff.

At St. John Hospice, we realize the importance of our volunteers' contributions. To say thank you, we hold an annual appreciation luncheon in honor of all St. John Hospice Volunteers. Here, we celebrate volunteers' donations and reflect back on the differences they made during the past year.

Other events for volunteers and staff to get together and celebrate each other's contributions are the annual St. John Home Care/Hospice Holiday Gala and the St. John Home Care/ Hospice picnic. The holiday gala is held in December each year and the picnic is typically an afternoon in July. These events are both relaxing gatherings, which offer staff and volunteers opportunities to discuss their common patients, as well as simply enjoy each other's company.

*Photos from the 2005 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Why Volunteer?

"You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give".
-Winston Churchill

If you are looking to make a difference in your own community, then volunteering at St. John Hospice may be for you! A hospice volunteer position offers opportunities for you to:

• Be of help to others
• Develop your ability to relate well with others
• Grow as a person
• Give something back to society
• Meet new people and create meaningful relationships
• Have a direct, personal impact on another person
• Improve the quality of life in your community

Volunteer Positions

St. John Hospice recruits volunteers to donate their time to their local communities within Macomb, Oakland, Saint Clair or Wayne County. Volunteers may also provide assistance at the Clinton Twp. or Farmington Hills office. Volunteers are encouraged to choose a volunteer role that they would feel comfortable performing. Four main volunteer positions are:

• Respite Relief Volunteer
• Administrative Support Volunteer
• Fundraising/Community Outreach Volunteer
• Bereavement Support Volunteer

* All volunteers will receive proper training at their convenience.

Contact information

For more information call 1-800-248-2298.