There are hundreds of reasons to volunteer, and there are just as many organizations to volunteer with. But when you spend your time giving back with Ardent Hospice & Palliative Care, you’re really helping families at a time they need it most.
Whether you’re volunteering with patients and families, in the community, with our office team, or through bereavement services, there’s an opportunity to touch a family’s life, and they’ll touch yours as well. Here are a few ways volunteering with Ardent is uplifting, fulfilling, and may even change your life.
It’s an opportunity to help someone and change their life.
Anywhere you volunteer will give you a chance to give back to your community in some way. When you’re working with hospice patients, they’re in the middle of such a delicate and difficult time in their life, and the smallest act of kindness can have such a tremendous impact. Sometimes our patients do not have family nearby, and can feel hopeless or depressed in their situation; you can be that one person who talks to them or simply sits with them, and causes a change by lifting their spirits. It’s humbling and gratifying to know that you’re making such a difference in someone else’s life.
You can make a strong bond with someone in such a short amount of time.
Our patients and their families are so genuinely grateful for the time you spend with them. Even after their loved one has passed, many families come back and tell us how much they appreciated their volunteer and what a difference that person made in their lives.
One family made a substantial donation to our No One Should Die Alone Foundation to express their gratitude for their volunteer. That volunteer attended the patient’s funeral, and years later, still keeps in touch with the family. By entering such an emotionally charged situation, you can make such a strong, real, loving relationship and connection in such a short amount of time.
You’ll meet people who will change your outlook on life.
Volunteering with hospice families really can change your outlook on life. These people are living their life to the fullest and dealing with the raw emotions that are associated with death, so they’re more open to sharing stories and advice. The way they’re living their life—full of gratitude and love, and without regrets—can often be inspiring. They really convey the importance of holding on to the precious moments life gives you. Our volunteers always tell us they receive the best life advice from our patients.
It could take you to the next step in your career.
While volunteering does have many emotional and spiritual benefits, one very tangible advantage is that it can help further your career (or college prospects). Many organizations look for volunteer work on a resume, and having Ardent listed can give you a leg up among other applicants and a brighter outlook.
You’ll gain an appreciation for your time and talents.
Seeing the impact you can make on someone’s life will bring you satisfaction and help you realize the importance of your own time and talents. Whether you play a musical instrument, love to read, or are fascinated by a certain genre of film, you can share that passion with someone who will appreciate your company. Even if you’re just sitting with them and talking, you’ll realize how meaningful giving your time can be.
Our volunteers are constantly telling us what a rewarding and life-changing experience it is to meet and connect with our patients and families. If you’d like to share your time and talents with our team, visit Ardent Hospice & Palliative Care online and fill out our Heart of Ardent volunteer application today.
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