Volunteers Can Do Many Things... 

Hold a hand. Read a book. Feed a pet. Give a hug. Share some memories. Listen. Change a life (maybe even your own). And by volunteering for Hospice of the North Shore (HNS), you will be part of something truly extraordinary. Most importantly, you’ll enrich the lives of our patients and their families.

What It Takes to Be a Volunteer

HNS volunteers are special people. They’re sensitive to others. They’re non-judgmental. They have the ability to listen. And, most importantly, they really care. People who are compassionate, reliable, conscientious, and have a sense of humor make wonderful hospice volunteers.

By providing invaluable support and friendship to patients and families, as well as assistance with office duties, community outreach initiatives and fundraising events, volunteers are an essential part of the HNS team.

Why Volunteer for HNS?

When asked about their decision to join HNS, most volunteers readily speak about the remarkable chance to make a real difference. Many have been touched by the experience of hospice care for a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker.

Our volunteers report that they are motivated by a desire to give something back, but soon find that the emotional and spiritual rewards they receive far outweigh the time and caring they contribute.

Where Is My Help Most Needed? Where Will My Skills Fit?

Volunteers are needed and welcomed in whatever capacity they choose to direct their time and talents. We are always in need of direct service volunteers who work directly with patients and their loved ones, as well as volunteers for many other roles, including those at our Kaplan Family Hospice House on Liberty Street in Danvers and also office support volunteers at our main office on Elm Street in Danvers.

Direct service roles:

If you can make a commitment for at least one year, and are a “people” person, the role of direct service volunteer may be for you.

• Visit patients at home or at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, in long-term care facilities, hospitals, or assisted living communities.
• Offer friendship and companionship, emotional support, and respite to caregivers. Activities may include reading to a patient, assisting them with a hobby, or simply listening to their stories.
• Provide help by running errands, shopping for groceries, picking up medications or delivering supplies.
• Vigil volunteers stay with actively dying patients who have no family or whose family members live at a distance, in the hope that no one will die alone.
• Creative volunteers offer unique talents such as knitting prayer shawls or creating bed quilts. 
• Specialty volunteers provide services for patients such as hair styling, massage therapy, pet therapy, etc. Specialty volunteers must be appropriately licensed or certified. 
• Volunteers who enjoy working with children lend support to our unique children's programs, including Pediatric Palliative Care of the North Shore and the Center for Grief & Healing Children's Program
• Event volunteers support families and staff at our annual Camp Stepping Stones and Family Grief Day 

Administrative opportunities:

If the intensity of working with patients and loved ones is not the right fit, you can contribute your time, talents and interests to supporting our programs in a host of other important ways:

• Clerical support and filing in the Medical Records Department.
• Coordinate special mailings or collate admissions packets.
• Computer data entry.
• Research data and work on special projects.

Other opportunities include:

HNS offers many unique and creative volunteer opportunities that can capitalize on your talents and hobbies. These are just a few:

• Support grieving family members through regular phone calls or assist with bereavement support groups and programs.
• Assist with bereavement support groups for children or teens.
• Assist with gardening and maintenance duties on the grounds of the Kaplan Family Hospice House. 
• Represent HNS at health fairs and other community awareness events.
• Assist with the various special events sponsored by HNS such as the Annual Tree of Lights, Auction and Regatta, Walk for HNS, and other important fundraisers.

Training, Support and Camaraderie

As an HNS volunteer, you’ll be part of an organized and attentive volunteer program that includes the following support:

Training. All HNS volunteers receive appropriate training to help them in their various roles. Prospective direct service volunteers participate in a multi-session training program, that is conveniently offered several times a year. If you choose an administrative role, which requires less training, you’ll receive an orientation to the HNS office and processes and helpful support as new projects arise.

Flexibility. With opportunities available during non-business hours as well as homemaker’s hours, and in a number of settings, flexibility is critical to our retention of volunteers.

Support and Camaraderie. Our Volunteer Office is available during regular business hours to help and support you, answer questions and provide any guidance you may desire. All volunteers are invited to regularly scheduled enrichment programs, support forums, volunteer reunion programs and of course our annual Thanks-for-Giving Volunteer Recognition Dinner each fall.

To Learn More

Just call our Volunteer Services Department at 978-774-7566 to get the process started. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you might have.