Volunteering

Hospice volunteers share their time and talents in a variety of ways. You don't have to have direct patient contact to make a difference.

The simple act of sharing a good book or playing a game of cards can make a big difference in the quality of life of a hospice patient.

Is it right for you?

If you are a caring person who likes to help others, we need you. Volunteers are the heart of Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center. In fact, we started as a volunteer organization until day-to-day business made it necessary to hire staff.

Now, decades later, it is still the generous commitment of trained volunteers that allows us to help our patients live their remaining days in the peace, comfort and dignity of their chosen surroundings.

Opportunities to help

You don’t need to be a trained healthcare professional to assist in our mission. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have all sorts of talents, the most important of which is the ability and desire to care for others. Depending upon your particular strengths and interests, volunteers can be assigned to one of these three categories:

Patient & family volunteers

These volunteers work directly with patients and their families, assisting our team of professionals to provide superior medical care, as well as social, emotional, and spiritual support. These "direct care" volunteers help execute a care plan that may include providing short periods of respite care for the caregiver; or it may include running errands, preparing meals, visiting or reading with the patient. After completing a comprehensive training course, an initial health exam, and passing a background check, our volunteers are ready to assist families.

Administrative/clerical volunteers

We rely on this active group of volunteers to help us with a broad range of office tasks. These tasks vary from answering phones, to helping us prepare mailings, copying and collating materials, filing and writing letters. They may also serve on our board of directors, on committees, assist with fundraising, and help with exhibitions and speaking engagements.

Bereavement volunteers

Caring adult volunteers work with young people and adults who are participating in our grief programs. These volunteers are trained in identifying and understanding the complexities of grief and its effects on people's lives. They also learn active listening and supporting skills.

To apply

Helping people during an emotional and difficult time can be very satisfying. If you would like to know more about volunteering for Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center, please call us, send an e-mail to our Volunteer Program Coordinator, or use the form below to sign up online today.

Phone: 815-398-0500
E-mail: rschick@northernillinoishospice.org