There are many ways to give to Hospice of the Valleys. We welcome your gift of time as a volunteer, a monetary donation, a vehicle donation, or a planned gift.
Volunteers are a vital part of the Hospice of the Valleys team. They bring caring concern, comfort and compassion to patients and families. Volunteers can become sensitive to patients' unique needs and are able to communicate those needs to Hospice of the Valleys' staff.
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available, whether you have limited time to give or have a more flexible schedule. And, if you prefer, volunteer opportunities are available beyond working with patients and families. All volunteers support the work and purpose of Hospice of the Valleys, regardless of their specific duties.
Patient support volunteers serve as an essential member of the hospice team by providing comfort and compassion to a patient and their caregivers in the patient’s home or in a care facility. Volunteer patient support offers the patient and caregivers a comforting presence, a trusted listener, provides companionship, helps with shopping or running errands, participates in the patient’s interests, plays music or sings, or could pay a friendly visit to brighten someone’s day.
Volunteers provide a caring presence for patients who are in their final hours and have no one else to be by their side. Hospice of the Valleys is committed to ensure that no one on our service dies alone. No one should die alone, and thanks to our “By Your Side” Volunteers, no one should ever have to.
Volunteers may also provide administrative support such as filing, data input, packet assembly, assistance with mailings, bundling medical supplies, various projects, or other light office work.
Our hospice volunteers provide support during the 13-month period following the death of a hospice patient, through phone calls, bereavement mailings and memorial services.
Hospice of the Valleys is a level three partner of the We Honor Veterans program, which enables us to give well-deserved recognition to our patients who have served this country. Many veterans receiving hospice care appreciate contact with volunteers who are also veterans, even if they served in a different time or place. Veteran volunteers perform pinning ceremonies, offer veteran-to-veteran support, visit on Veteran’s Day or participate in community outreach activities.
The goal of the Cheer Team volunteer is to provide cheer and to help brighten the days of hospice patients by making crafts or cards for birthdays and holidays or petals for patient’s bouquets.
Some volunteers sew one-of-a-kind Memory Bears for patients we have cared for to provide comfort to the family. Memory Bears are made from an article of clothing dear to the patient and family.
Our amazing volunteers help organize and/or participate in Hospice of the Valleys' events throughout the year. Volunteers help with fundraising, community outreach, health fairs, memorial services and other special events.
Volunteers with expertise in art, singing or playing a musical instrument or other areas may have opportunities to share their talents with patients and families.
Speak in the community on topics related to end-of-life care, while also recruiting volunteers in the process.
Hospice of the Valleys volunteers must attend a comprehensive, 16 hours of classroom time and 10 hours of self-study training. Volunteers gain valuable in-depth knowledge and understanding of the hospice philosophy and concept of care.
Due to recent events related to the COVID-19 pandemic, our volunteer trainings have currently been postponed. Please refer to this page for new training updates as they become available. We value the extraordinary efforts of our volunteers and look forward to a time when volunteers can resume their service. Meanwhile, you may contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager at 951-200-7800 or email clawless@hovsc.org for more information.
Below is a video from the Menifee City Council Meeting where longtime Hospice of the Valleys volunteer, Patricia Jones, received an award for the many volunteer hours she has committed to the community.
