Find Meaningful Connection This Year by Volunteering with Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana
- News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2023
CONTACTS:
Dyan Duncan
Executive Director Marketing & Communication
502.814.5439
dduncan@hosparus.org
Vonya Gresham
Volunteer Manager
812.542.2809
vgresham@hosparus.org
Free training is offered on January 24 to those interested in enhancing the lives of hospice patients and their families.
(NEW ALBANY, IN) — Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana is encouraging members of the community to kick off their New Year’s resolutions by volunteering with the not-for-profit hospice and palliative care organization. The year’s first free, in-person volunteer training session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its New Albany location, 502 Hausfeldt Lane.
“Volunteering is food for the soul you didn’t know you were hungry for,” shared Ruthie Coleman, who became a Hosparus volunteer through the Kourageous Kids Christmas party in 1994. “It is a privilege to be there for others who are facing serious illness and to support them in what they are going through,” she added.
Ruthie began volunteering after her daughter, Natasha, received pediatric hospice services at the age of four. The family was so moved by the level of support they felt from the hospice team, Ruthie was inspired to honor her daughter’s memory by carrying that kindness forward. Now, Ruthie helps others by providing a listening ear while co-leading a Hosparus grief group.
“Our volunteers bring their unique perspectives and gifts to the organization,” said Volunteer Manager Vonya Gresham. “Whether providing companionship or assisting with clerical tasks, our volunteers play a key role in making meaningful moments for patients and families facing serious illness.”
Hosparus was founded by volunteers more than 40 years ago, and they still play a vital role in providing compassionate care, comfort and support to seriously ill patients and their caregivers to this day in Clark, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Floyd, Harrison, Jefferson, Martin, Orange, Perry, Pike, Scott, Spencer and Washington counties. Depending on their interests, volunteers provide presence and support to patients and respite to their caregivers, bereavement care, and veteran-to-veteran companionship.
Currently, Hosparus is especially in need of patient care volunteers, who visit patients wherever they call home. “The value of life is making yourself vulnerable to someone else,” said Ruthie. “As volunteers, there’s a desire to help and here we’ve found our niche and purpose by supporting others impacted by serious illness.”
Interested volunteers should apply at hosparushealth.org/volunteer. Participants are required to register to attend a training session and provide documentation for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations before starting. For questions or general information about additional volunteer opportunities at Hosparus Health, contact Volunteer Manager Vonya Gresham, at vgresham@hosparus.org or 812-542-2809.
About Hosparus Health
Since 1978, Hosparus Health, a fully accredited not-for-profit hospice and palliative care organization, has provided medical care, grief services, symptom and medication management and more for people facing serious and chronic illnesses in 41 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. Hosparus Health is one of the nation’s largest hospice and palliative care providers with over 600 employees and more than 500 volunteers. In 2021, the organization cared for 9,700 patients and families. Visit www.HosparusHealth.org for more information or call 800-264-0521.
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