At Catholic Hospice, each patient is cared for by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. Our bereavement team also adds an extra layer of support for patients and their family members. The team collaboratively provides individualized care to each patient that upholds the values of compassion, human dignity, and respect.
Another vital part of our interdisciplinary team are our VOLUNTEERS. Our Volunteer Services Department offers various volunteer opportunities for individuals who are looking to join us in our mission in providing the highest quality of care and support to our patients and their families.
Read below for more information on how you can get involved as a Volunteer!
Volunteer Opportunities
Companion Care
Companion Care volunteers provide a special service to our patients — companionship! In addition, Companion Care volunteers can provide support to caregivers by offering respite (a break) while providing companionship to their loved one. Volunteers can play the patient’s favorite card game, read to them, sing or play their favorite music, or simply spend time with them.
Vigil Team/Angel Care Program
Sitting at the bedside or being in the home of a dying patient is a very private and intimate time. Angel Care or Vigil Volunteers are privileged to be invited to share in this experience. Vigil Volunteers sit with patients during the last 24-48 hours of life to provide comfort, reassurance, and solace. They also offer support to families and caregivers. Vigil Volunteers will receive training for this role. Volunteers are also asked to complete a 3 to 4-hour shift (as available) one or more times during vigils. Vigil activities may include gentle touch, lighting candles, playing soft music, sharing comforting words, or sitting in silence.
Music Volunteers
The volunteers in this role have a simple and effective approach. Music Volunteers are trained to set up personalized music playlists delivered on digital devices for those in their care. Music Volunteers can also be individuals who enjoy playing musical instruments and would like to share their love for music with our patients. These musical favorites can tap deep memories not lost to dementia and can bring participants back to life, enabling them to feel like themselves again to interact, socialize, and stay present with those around them.
Acts of Kindness Project
The Acts of Kindness Project is an opportunity for community members to put together projects that will help benefit our hospice patients, families, and staff. Some project ideas include care packages/baskets, handwritten and handmade cards with messages of encouragement or gratitude, and comfort items (e.g., blankets, socks, etc.). We’re also open to any ideas that you might have that will share an act of kindness! This is also a great opportunity for groups wanting to give back to the community!
Camp Erin
Where children learn and heal
Catholic Hospice has been supporting grieving youth in the South Florida community since 2013 through Camp Erin. Camp Erin is a free bereavement camp for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years old who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Led by compassionate grief professionals and trained volunteers, Camp Erin combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. At Camp Erin, campers not only learn essential coping skills, but they also learn that they are not alone in their grief.
Camp Erin is hosted twice each year. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have graduated from high school. In addition, volunteers must complete and pass background and drug screenings.
For questions about Camp Erin, please contact our team at CampErin@catholichospice.org or (954) 944-2709.
Veterans Program
Specialized end of life care for individuals who have served in the military
Catholic Hospice is proud to provide compassionate end of life care for individuals who have served in the military.
Benefits of the veteran program include:
- Peer-to-peer support with a volunteer veteran
- Pinning ceremony to honor and thank our veteran patients in the presence of their loved ones
Pet Therapy
We believe no one should have to give up a pet because they are terminally ill. Patients receive support from trained Pet Therapy volunteers to assist with meeting the needs of their beloved pets.
Assistance includes:
- Providing compassionate attention and care
- Providing pet food
- Veterinary care
- Re-homing (should the need arise)
Wishes Come True
We want to ensure that our patients live their lives to the fullest. Our “Wishes Granted” initiative allows our patients to see out their last wish with their loved ones. With the generous support of our community, this initiative offers a range of heart-warming opportunities, such as birthday celebrations, pet therapy, outings to area attractions and more.
Teen Volunteers
We have a couple of opportunities for teens ages 14 to 17 years old who are interested in volunteering with us! If any of the below interests you, please complete the Teen Volunteer Application.
Administrative Support
Teens can get real life work experience providing administrative support in our office. Remote opportunities are available but limited. Teens can also participate in other initiatives and projects, such as Act of Kindness Project and Music Volunteers.
“Young Voices for Hospice” (Catholic Hospice Youth Advisory Board)
Teens and young adults ages 14 to 22 years old can also decide to join our Youth Advisory Board, “Young Voices for Hospice,” which aims to empower youthful voices to advocate for end-of-life care through education, advocacy, and volunteerism, while enhancing the quality of end-of-life support for Catholic Hospice patients and their families.
Board members must be able to commit to serving on the board for at least one (1) year. Annual renewal is welcome and required for those wishing to continue their membership. Members will also be expected to demonstrate commitment to our mission by attending and actively participating at all monthly meetings and activities/events coordinated by the board and completing volunteer service hours for each membership year.
We also welcome teens who cannot commit to being part of the board but are interested in assisting in the activities and/or events planned by the board!
For more information or to apply, please contact YoungVoices@catholichospice.org.
Please note: Candidates must complete the Teen Volunteer Application AND the Young Voices for Hospice Board Application.
Volunteering at Catholic Hospice is an opportunity to make a profound and meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and yours!
To Apply
Are you interested in volunteering with us? We’d love to have you join our team! Download our Volunteer Application to apply today.
Catholic Hospice Volunteer Application
Catholic Hospice Teen Volunteer Application
Contact Us
For more information or questions, contact our Volunteer Services Department.
E-mail: VolunteerServices@catholichospice.org | Phone: (305) 351-7053