Hospice of Palm Beach Countys 30 year tradition of caring is based on establishing and nurturing relationships, and paramount to this tradition is the relationship of volunteers with patients and families. More than 800 volunteers participate in Hospice of Palm Beach Countys comprehensive range of programs and services including visits to patients and families, serving on the Board of Directors, providing administrative support, cooking in the kitchen, working in the organizations Resale Shops, and assisting at the John J. Brogan Horizons Bereavement Center.
(l-r) Dee Johnson, Volunteer Manager, Hospice of Palm Beach County; Dorothea Stein, Susan Fagan, Frank Bretz, Phyllis Grunow, George Trainor, and Dave Fielding, President and CEO, Hospice of Palm Beach County.
On average, Hospice of Palm Beach County volunteers make 230 visits to patients and families each month. They also make more than 1,000 phone calls to check on patients or thank donors.
Outstanding Volunteer Awards were recently presented by Volunteer Manager Dee Johnson and President and CEO Dave Fielding to: George Trainor for spending a great deal of time visiting patients in their homes; Frank Bretz for attending all of the volunteer trainings, participating in the Speakers Bureau and volunteering at the Bereavement Center; Susan Fagan visits patients in their homes or inpatient units almost every day of the week; Phyllis Grunow volunteers in administration at the Gerstenberg Center a few days every week of the year; Howard Ackley regularly visits patients at home, in facilities and attends volunteer team meetings; and Dorothea Stein arrives at the Gerstenberg center every morning at 5:30am to volunteer in the cafeteria.
“The dedication and care for patients exemplified by our volunteers through more than 55,000 hours of service truly illustrates our mission to provide a great healthcare experience to patients and families,” said Dee Johnson, Manager, Volunteer Services.
Do you enjoy helping others? Do you have a few extra hours that you would like to spend doing something worthwhile and valuable? Are you compassionate, reliable and nonjudgmental? If so, your contribution of time and talent can make a positive difference in the lives of patients, families and the community. Those wishing to assist Hospice of Palm Beach County may do so through the volunteer program. All hospice volunteers complete an intensive training program to prepare them for patient and family care services. Volunteers also may assist through clerical support, fundraisers or community outreach activities.
