In April Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MV Hospice) will hold a four-day training program for aspiring hospice volunteers. The Current asked MV Hospice Bereavement Services and Volunteer Coordinator, Jenna Stamplicoski, to tell us more about the role of a hospice volunteer. Jenna said, “At Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care, our volunteers give their time in many different ways, but what connects them is a shared belief that no one should have to face illness, dying, or grief alone.” Above: Seascape photo with Hellen Keller quote. (Image: Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care website.
She encourages prospective volunteers “to come for a visit, ask questions, and learn more about the work.” Jenna continued, “Many people are surprised to discover that hospice volunteering is not only about the end of life. It is also about connection, compassion, and community. In small rural places like ours, that sense of community care is incredibly powerful.” Pictured is Jenna Stamplicoski (Photo: MV Hospice Palliative Care website)
MV Hospice currently has about 90 volunteers whose level of involvement depends on their schedules, interests and the role they have chosen. That sounds like a lot of volunteers, until you realize that MV Hospice serves a large rural catchment area. Jenna pointed out that volunteers often choose to serve within their own communities in order to ensure support is available close to home. Some visit clients and families directly, while others support grief programs, education, events, administration, or community outreach.
She told us, “Even with a strong volunteer base, recruitment is always important. People’s availability changes over time, and we work hard to offer a volunteer experience that is meaningful but also flexible enough to fit into real life. Bringing new people into the program allows us to maintain that flexibility while continuing to thoughtfully match volunteers with the individuals and families we serve.”
MV Hospice mission, vision, values
MV Hospice recruitment materials say that volunteers represent the Hospice mission, vision and values in action so we asked Jenna for details.
She said that the mission of MV Hospice is to support individuals and families facing serious illness, dying, and grief with compassion, dignity, and respect. Theirs is a whole person approach to care which recognizes that while people require physical support, at life’s most difficult moments they also have emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
She explained, “Our vision is a community where no one has to face illness, death, or grief alone. In rural communities especially, that vision depends on neighbours caring for neighbours and building strong networks of support.”
As for values in action, she said, “Our values guide how we do this work. We believe in compassion, respect for each person’s dignity and choices, confidentiality, and working collaboratively with families, volunteers, and health care partners.”
“Our volunteers bring these values to life every day. Whether they are visiting someone, supporting a caregiver, helping with programs, or assisting behind the scenes, they represent the heart of hospice in action,” noted Jenna.
What makes a good volunteer?
“Skills can be taught, but character matters most,” she said. “The qualities we value most in a hospice volunteer are compassion, reliability, and the ability to truly listen. Hospice volunteers are often present during very vulnerable moments, so we look for people who can sit with others without trying to fix things or rush difficult conversations.”
She pointed out that people who face illness and loss come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems. That’s why a hospice volunteer must be able to respect that every person has their own values and beliefs, even when those may be different from their own.
“Just as importantly, hospice volunteers must understand boundaries and the scope of their role. They are there to support, not direct, and to meet people where they are,” said Jenna.
What characteristics are needed to volunteer for MV Hospice?
“The qualities we value most in a hospice volunteer are compassion, reliability, and the ability to truly listen. Hospice volunteers are often present during very vulnerable moments, so we look for people who can sit with others without trying to fix things or rush difficult conversations.”
“Respecting confidentiality and understanding the scope of the volunteer role are also essential. Volunteers must be able to work as part of a team and follow the guidelines that protect both them and the families we support,” Jenna explained.
She added, “If there is a deal breaker, it would be someone who is unable to respect those boundaries or who struggles to approach people with openness and respect.”
Does a volunteer’s age or physical strength matter?
Age or level of physical ability would not necessarily prevent someone from becoming a volunteer as MV Hospice includes many different roles:
- Some volunteers provide companionship visits
- Others help with grief programs
- Volunteers are needed for community education
- They help at events
- Some are skilled at administrative tasks
- Volunteers also provide practical support behind the scenes.
Jenna said, “We work to match volunteers with opportunities that fit their interests and abilities.”
“We have volunteers across a wide range of ages and life experiences. What matters most is a willingness to learn, a commitment to the role, and a genuine desire to support others.”
Why do people volunteer?
She told The Current: “Many people come to hospice volunteering after experiencing the illness or death of someone they love. Often they received support themselves and feel called to give that same care back to their community.”
“Others are drawn to the work because they recognize that illness, death, and grief are realities every family will eventually face. Learning how to support someone through those experiences is something many people value deeply.”
Jenna ended with, “What we hear again and again from volunteers is that while they came to help others, they often find the experience meaningful for their own lives as well.”
Interested? Find out more…
Volunteer training takes place from 8:30am-4:30pm on April 7, 9, 15, 16. Lunch provided. To register or for more information, contact Jenna Stamplicoski Tel: 613-756-3045 ext.350 Email: stamplicoskij@sfmhosp.com
