Volunteer

Hold a hand. Drive a car. Use a computer. Plan a golf tournament. Address envelopes. Feed a pet. Make a speech. Bake a cake. Ring up a sale. Make phone calls. Listen to cherished memories. Pat a shoulder. Give a hug. Touch a heart.

Wherever you choose to volunteer at Suncoast Hospice, there's a place for you. Whether you want to work directly with patients and families or in another role, you can make a big difference in someone's life, including your own.
 


Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways you can make a difference in the life of another. We are sure that no matter which area you choose, you will enjoy being a part of Suncoast Hospice's family of volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities are as individual as you are, and we welcome volunteers from all walks of life. Every contribution made by a volunteer supports our mission to serve patients and families throughout Pinellas County.
 
It is our hope that your volunteer experience at Suncoast Hospice is fulfilling, whether you choose to help with patient care or perform duties that support our programs.
  • Patient and family support, including visits to patients’ homes, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or one of our hospice houses
  • Bereavement support to those who have lost loved ones with assistance in the offices at one of our community service centers or Suncoast Hospice houses
  • Work in a Suncoast Hospice Resale Shoppe greeting customers, accepting donations and completing sales
  • Support of special events including fundraising
  • Participating in our Speakers Network and community outreach events
  • Provision of complementary therapies such as massage, music, reiki, pets and aromatherapy
  • Veterans Serving Veterans program - spend one-on-one time with Suncoast Hospice patients who have served in the military, perform specially-designed ceremonies to honor their service, talk to other veterans who may not know about Suncoast Hospice programs and services
  • Hospice Teen Volunteers program for teens who wish to contribute their time and talents
  • Corporate Volunteers who make it their business to give back to the community

 


Volunteer Training

Suncoast Hospice is committed to utilizing the skills, talent and heart of those in Pinellas County who want to serve those who are facing end-of-life issues. To prepare volunteers for their chosen role, we offer education that is designed to prepare you to feel confident about your duties and responsibilities.

To become a Suncoast Hospice volunteer, your first step is to attend Hospice Volunteer Orientation (HVO).
 

In this training you will learn about the goals and philosophy of hospice care, the history of Suncoast Hospice, an overview of programs and services available to those in our community and details about the many volunteer opportunities to choose from. At the end of the training session you will choose the role that best fits your goals as a volunteer, and you will be offered additional education.

Some examples of specialty training offered include:

  • Patient & Family Support Training – prepares you for working with hospice patients and their families. This training consists of 4 three-hour classes that are offered during the day, in the evening and on weekends throughout Pinellas County.
  • Grief Support Training – prepares you for making home visits and phone calls to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This training is 3 sessions at three hours each and offered daytime, evenings and weekends at many Suncoast Hospice locations.
  • Resale Shoppe Orientation – prepares you for working in Suncoast Hospice’s Resale Shoppes, where you will interact with members of the community to raise funds and spread the word about programs and services. This is a one-hour orientation.

For additional information regarding volunteer opportunities and to view upcoming training classes please click here.
 


Teen Volunteer Opportunities

If you are a high school student who lives or attends school in Pinellas County, you may become a Suncoast Hospice teen volunteer. By volunteering, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people of all ages and walks of life.

  • Brighten the day of patients with Cheer Team visits
  • Help patients record their life stories through the Lifetime Legacies program
  • Throw a birthday, anniversary or anytime party for our patients
  • Help at one of Suncoast Hospice's resale shoppes
  • Share your organizational and computer skills in one of our administrative offices
  • Serve on a hospice teen council or speakers bureau


Teen Volunteers in the News

Check out the videos below highlighting our dedicated teen volunteers.


If you would like to learn more about the Suncoast Hospice Teen Volunteer Program, please call us.

  • North Pinellas County, Kathi Wendt (727) 771-4433 or Laura McGary (727) 771-4435
  • Mid Pinellas County, JillAnne Fowler (727) 523-3431
  • South Pinellas, Fabiana Compas (727) 564-5920

Volunteer Spotlight

Website-Stories-Woodside-Volunteers-Jeffrey-Foreman-(left)-and-Bill-Cole-(2).jpgVolunteers Honored to Serve Veterans

It’s lunchtime at Suncoast Hospice House Woodside. Volunteers Jeffrey Foreman and Bill Cole are on a mission to serve. They stop in to visit a patient, Albert Allmeyer, a World War II veteran. They talk with him about his life and time in the military and give thanks.

Jeffrey is a fellow veteran; he served in the Navy for 11 years and in the Gulf War. He is part of Suncoast Hospice’s Veterans Serving Veterans volunteer program, which matches volunteers and patients who have served in the military.

"It’s great to sit with our veterans and share stories with them. I try to greet all our veterans when I come in to volunteer. I use an open, light approach. I thank them for their service and tell them how important it is,” Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey visits many patients at Woodside, both veterans and non-veterans, and helps put on movie nights at Woodside’s Villas. He joined Suncoast Hospice to give back for the hospice care his mother received by another hospice. “It’s been life-changing to see the wonderful care with Suncoast Hospice. When I’m here, I feel like I’m part of a huge family,” he said.

Bill is not a veteran but has many in his family. He feels privileged to serve patients at Woodside in honor of the hospice care his brother received years ago. “I enjoy talking with patients and helping them with their needs. I let them know I care about them.”
 



To learn more about Suncoast Hospice volunteer opportunities please contact us online or call
(727) HOSPICE | 467-7423.