Nonprofit in search of individuals to help families in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties
CHARLEVOIX, Mich. (Oct. 26, 2021) – Are you somebody with a kind heart who loves to help people? If so, Hospice of Michigan is urgently seeking compassionate volunteers like you to help patients and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses in communities throughout Antrim, Emmet and Charlevoix counties. The not-for-profit specifically needs volunteers to provide companionship, caregiver relief, cosmetology services and write letters and cards for hospice patients at its Charlevoix service area.
Volunteers like East Jordan resident Don Folsom offer countless benefits to the patients and families they serve. Folsom is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp who has been volunteering in the Charlevoix and Gaylord communities since March 2019. He donates his time visiting with patients in their homes and at hospice facilities offering companionship and caregiver relief. Throughout the pandemic, Folsom has also partaken in several virtual veteran pinnings for patients. Hospice of Michigan is always in search of veteran volunteers to pair with their patients who have served.
“People need other people – it’s companionship,” said Folsom. “I think a lot of people would like volunteering if they just tried it once. You might be helping someone more than you know, just by visiting them or taking a couple minutes to send them some mail.”
Hospice of Michigan will host orientations on an as-needed basis, so prospective volunteers can learn on their own time. Volunteers do not need any type of training or previous volunteer experience. The not-for-profit welcomes everyone who would like to give back to their community.
“The relationships built through companionship volunteering are mutually beneficial to both patient and volunteer. There is a special kind of bond that forms between two people who otherwise may not have interacted,” said Kathy Lietaert, Hospice of Michigan volunteer program manager. “Volunteering at Hospice of Michigan to contribute towards a cause you truly believe in offers a wonderful sense of fulfillment and community.”
Those interested in volunteering can contact Kathy Lietaert at 231-779-5409 or klietaer@hom.org to register for training. To learn more about Hospice of Michigan and apply to become a volunteer, visit hom.org/get-involved.