Urgent Call for Volunteers in Metro Detroit

News Summary

Hospice of Michigan urgently seeks volunteers from Plymouth, Livonia, and Canton to provide vital support for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. With a pressing need for companionship and care, the organization offers various volunteer roles, allowing community members to make a meaningful difference. Training is provided, and no special skills are required, just a compassionate heart. Interested individuals can learn more through the Hospice of Michigan website.

Attention Metro Detroit Residents: An Urgent Call for Volunteers!

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? If you live in the vibrant area of Plymouth, Livonia, or Canton, you’re in luck! Hospice of Michigan is urgently seeking volunteers to support their mission of helping patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. The need is pressing, and your kindness could make a world of difference!

Why the Call for Volunteers?

Ruth Moore-Lilly, the volunteer program manager, is waving a white flag, highlighting a desperate gap in participation from local residents. With so much going on in our lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of such volunteer opportunities that can bring comfort and companionship to those who need it most. The demand for caring and compassionate individuals is at an all-time high, particularly in western Wayne County. But the good news is, you don’t need special talents or skills to become a volunteer—just a warm heart and a willingness to be present with those in need.

Volunteer Positions Available

Hospice of Michigan offers a range of volunteer roles tailored to different interests and availability:

• Companionship Volunteers: Spend quality time with patients. Whether it’s engaging in activities like watching movies, reading together, or simply sitting in silence, your presence matters!
• Caregiver Relief Volunteers: Help family members by giving them a break. You can allow them to run errands or just take a moment for themselves, offering priceless support when they need it.
• Pet Volunteers: Animal lovers, this one’s for you! Bring certified therapy pets to comfort patients or assist with walking and caring for pets belonging to patients at home.
• Veterans: If you’ve served in the military, your connection can be invaluable. Engage with fellow veterans, sharing experiences and camaraderie that only those who have served can understand.

What to Expect as a Volunteer

Typically, volunteers visit one patient each week for about an hour, but this can be tailored based on availability. The experience is not one-sided—many volunteers find that they gain just as much from these interactions as they give. It’s an opportunity to hear fascinating stories and unravel the rich tapestry of life experiences from those in hospice care.

How to Get Involved

Before diving in, there are a few requirements. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and undergo a six-hour training session, which can be completed online or in person. You’ll also need to complete a background check, fingerprinting, and a tuberculosis test to ensure the safety of patients. Those who have recently experienced a loss will need to wait a year before they can contribute their time as a volunteer.

Beyond Western Wayne County

While the focus is on the western Wayne County area, there’s also a growing need for volunteers throughout Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, and St. Clair counties. This is a fantastic opportunity to join hands with your community and together create a culture of compassion and support.

Interested? Let’s Get You Started!

If you feel moved to make a difference, you can find more information about volunteering on the Hospice of Michigan website or contact Ruth Moore-Lilly directly for details specific to your situation. Current online resources for volunteer applications can be found at hospicemichigan.org/get-involved.

Remember—this isn’t just about giving; it’s about forming connections and enriching lives, including your own! Your compassion could be the light in someone else’s day.

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Additional Resources

• Hometown Life: Hospice of Michigan Volunteers Needed
• Detroit News: Sam the Therapy Dog Brightens Hospice Patients’ Day
• Detroit Catholic: A Friend at the End
• Detroit Free Press: Losing Part of a Lung to COVID
• Hour Detroit: Your Guide to Volunteering Around Metro Detroit
• Wikipedia: Volunteer
• Google Search: Hospice Care
• Google Scholar: Volunteering in Hospice
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hospice
• Google News: Hospice Volunteers