Saint Peter stood at the pearly gate,
With his scoreboard in his hand,
Checking off each new person
Who had departed from this land.
There were people from many places, And from every walk of life, Who had done so many kind things
For those who had known strife.
He put his hand out and stopped one And touched the pin upon their shirt, And he knew from their insignia,
That they worked with those who hurt.
“I see you worked with hospice,
There were times when it was hard
And because of those you comforted,
You have a special place with God.”

Frank Morrison, Former High Peaks Hospice volunteer

VOLUNTEERS

In 1986 High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care was conceived by volunteers with a vision and established as a volunteer organization.  Since 1988 the organization has continued to grow with a dedicated team of paid professional staff – but the heart and soul of High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care continues to be its extraordinary cadre of volunteers.  Their generosity in donating their time, energy, ideas and expertise is instrumental in enabling High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care to achieve its mission and goals. Having a well trained and dedicated group of volunteers helps keep the enthusiasm in the organization up and the costs down.

Who Can Be a Volunteer?

ANYONE!  All that is needed is a friendly smile, listening ear, a hand to assist, and the willingness to be a ready helper.  These are the trademarks of a Hospice Volunteer.  They are the people who volunteer their time to help others.
Please Note: Must be over 18 to be a patient/family volunteer.

 How Do You Become a High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care Volunteer?

Each office has a Coordinator of Volunteers whose responsibilities include the recruitment, training, overseeing and mentoring of volunteers. A Hospice volunteer will complete an intensive training program where he/she will learn that they are an integral part of the hospice team.

What are the various services that High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care Volunteers provide?

Home Care – Home care volunteers are trained to work exclusively with patients and their families providing friendship, compassion, respite services, and listening skills.  Caregivers are given emotional support and the occasional opportunity to do errands or just have some free time for themselves.  All patient and family information is handled with the strictest confidence.

Bereavement – Bereavement Volunteers keep in contact with families for 13 months after the death of a loved one.  They phone families on a monthly/weekly basis as well as make home visits as needed.

Office & Administration – Office volunteers provide critical administrative support in each office. Some serve as receptionists – answering the telephones and helping the Office Manager with general office duties.  Others provide support for the Business Manager and Patient Care Coordinator.

Fundraising & Marketing - Because much of the yearly income budget must be met from fundraising efforts the organization relies on many volunteers to help with marketing and fundraising.  Some spend countless hours stuffing and labeling mailings for the appeals.  Others participate in organizing the many fundraising events each year while others participate in the actual event. 

Ambassadors -  The best marketing tool that we have is our volunteers – whether they are trained volunteers or family members of patients.   These individuals go into the community and share their experiences and enthusiasm for High Peaks Hospice with others and provide the best publicity possible.

Board of Directors - The Board of Directors is a hands on, dedicated group of individuals who work tirelessly to help make High Peaks Hospice the professional and compassionate organization that it is.

If you or anyone you know would like to become part of the High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care

team please contact the office nearest you today!

 Port Henry
larryvanderburgh@highpeakshospice.com

Saranac Lake
susantehon@highpeakshospice.com