4/8/2020 April is Volunteer Recognition Month! We are grateful for the commitment of those who volunteer with Family Hospice and the Healing Patch Children's Grief Program.

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, most volunteer activities have been suspended; however, that doesn't change our appreciation for those individuals who give selflessly throughout the year and are still finding ways to help those around them.

Family Hospice

Family Hospice volunteers embrace the opportunity and privilege to support patients and their families through a significant and inevitable season of life. Hospice volunteers make an impact in various ways, such as visiting with patients, providing relief for caregivers, assisting with clerical tasks as needed, making phone calls, supporting grieving family members, and more.

"During the volunteer hiatus and as the world is on hold, Family Hospice East volunteers continue to make a difference. As society tries to figure out new normalcy, volunteers continue to show their caring hearts to one another," shares Catherine Zimmerman-Moyer, Family Hospice Volunteer Coordinator in Bedford, Blair, and Cambria counties. “I am overjoyed despite this pandemic knowing that volunteers of Family Hospice East continue to brighten and warm hearts one heart at a time. The statement 'We are all in this together' and the song What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love are surely evident in the lives of our volunteers.”

Volunteer involvement is determined by the individual’s skills, desires, and schedule. Volunteers are good listeners who display flexibility, understanding, and empathy. The time commitment for a volunteer can vary from several times per month to weekly. There are differing volunteer opportunities to match the strength and availability of volunteers. Specialized training is provided for new volunteers.

“We have a remarkable team of Family Hospice volunteers who are still eager to give of themselves during the COVID-19 outbreak," shares Carole Palmer, Family Hospice Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator in Centre, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties. "Even though social distancing is now the norm and in person visits are not permitted at this time, our volunteers know how important our services are to our patients and their families. Relationships are formed as volunteers tenderly listen on the phone and send handwritten notes offering encouraging words of hope. Thank you to all of our Family Hospice volunteers for your generosity!”

Click here for more information about becoming a Family Hospice volunteer.

Bedford County Volunteer Team
Lynn Ashe of Breezewood, Terry Doran of Central City, Rose McGhee of Dudley, Vicki Oster of Bedford, and Roger Replogle of New Enterprise

Blair County Volunteer Team
Barbara DeJesus of Tyrone, Paula Ellstrom of Altoona, Ann Foust of Altoona, Betty Friedenberger of Altoona, Andrea Hildebrand of Hollidaysburg, Joe Hollen of Fallentimber, Vicki Johns of Hollidaysburg, Michele Lloyd of Duncansville, Sharon Long of Martinsburg, Susan Magee of Altoona, Becky Mathers of Altoona, Sherry Merritts of Altoona, Faith Norris of Altoona, Sylvester Quinn of Altoona, Roger Replogle of New Enterprise, John Soldo of Flinton, Sharon Troy of Portage, and Tom Woodrow of Martinsburg

Cambria County Volunteer Team
Nicole Carpinello of Northern Cambria, Martha Criste of Ebensburg, Kimberly Colberg of Carrolltown, Terry Doran of Central City, Bob Geary of Clymer, Mary Estep of Cresson, Joan Gregg of Cresson, Joe Hollen of Fallentimber, John Soldo of Flinton, Sharon Troy of Portage, and Michelle Wysong of Gallitzin

Centre County Volunteer Team
Sharon Gaddes of Boalsburg, Dolly Knepp of Bellefonte, Nate Myer of State College, Vicky Schirm of State College

Huntingdon County Volunteer Team
Bob Colton of Huntingdon, Jim Foster of Alexandria, Barbara Grove of Huntingdon, TyJuan Hartman of Huntingdon, Ray Lawler of Alexandria, Debbie Lillibridge of Alexandria, Sandie Mitchell of Hesston, Pat Ross of Mount Union, and Mary Ann Smith of Huntingdon

Mifflin/Juniata Counties Volunteer Team
Carolyn Butterworth of Lewistown, Jacob Fultz of Lewistown, Carolyn Leacy of Lewistown

 

Healing Patch

Volunteers are the heart of the Healing Patch Children's Grief Program. Without them, these free services could not exist for the grieving children and families of our community. It takes a special type of person to absorb the tragic stories children share at the Healing Patch. While volunteers must understand they are unable to “fix” what has happened, volunteers are able to help bring hope and healing back into the life of a child.

“The Healing Patch could not exist without our many dedicated and compassionate volunteers," Shalen Steinbugl, Healing Patch Volunteer Coordinator/Grief Specialist. "They are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our grieving children and their families feel heard, understood, and loved.”

Healing Patch volunteers are needed to facilitate groups, greet families, serve food, complete sewing projects, and serve in special supportive roles.

Click here for more information about becoming a Healing Patch volunteer.

Blair Healing Patch Volunteers
Margy Baumgartner, Michelle Beard, Joe Bilka, Jesse Blank, Jody Christen, Tess Crawford, Maureen Dodson, Katie Fiore, Betty Friedenberger, James Gerraughty, Sherry Hayford, Andrea Hildebrand, Nancy Imes, Gina Itle, Tina Karl, Sue LeCrone, Cindy Lytle, Denise Mason, Matthew McCaulley, Mickey Port, Alex Seltzer, Jes White, Bonnie Zimmerman

Cambria Healing Patch Volunteers
Tammy Brletrick, Beth Burkhart, Martha Criste, Gabrielle Cronin, Sue Glass, Laura Halligan, Greg Karcher, Monica Klatt, Trez Knob, Sherri Mannion, Regis Schall, Kim Sieg, Sharon Troy

Sewing Volunteers
Kim Adelman, Rose Battista, Martine Beck, Sara Clossin, Clara Davis, Jane Decker, Patty Doty, Donna Downing, Betty Ann Farabaugh, Peg Frantz, Susan Gray, Lynn Holmes, Sandy Kustaborder, Patti Isenberg, Kim Massar, Susan Maurer, Chris McConnell, Barbara Miltenberger, Mary Kay O’Connor, Patti Price, Sally Ripka, Helene Rumberger, Brenda Servello, Theresa Shoemaker, Janet Smith, Martha Smith, Janice Snowberger, Alane Timmerman, Shirley Wallace, Yvonne Wilson, Betty Zaliznock, Beatrice Zurilla