Being a friend, sharing a talent, lending a hand with paper work, or talking with a patient…there are so many ways for caring hearts to contribute to Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice.

More than 100 volunteers each year provide countless hours of service to RAVNAH, adding dimension to our quality of care and enriching the lives of the people we serve.

RAVNAH volunteers are valued members of our care team. They participate in these and other efforts on behalf of our staff, clients and community:

• Fundraising Events. Volunteers brainstorm, plan, manage, and participate in fundraising and other fun special events.
• Health Fairs and Clinics. Volunteers assist nurses and staff by distributing materials, registering clients, and providing on-site information at Flu Clinics (held October-December).
• Hospice Volunteers. After participating in a free, 8-week training session, specially trained volunteers provide emotional support to patients and families faced with terminal illness.

If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to talk to you. Call 802.770.1683 or email us at volunteer@ravnah.org.

Hospice Volunteers - Supporting families facing one of life’s most challenging circumstances

Whether you are searching for a rewarding way to spend your time, or seeking ways to make a commitment to terminally ill patients and their families, the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice needs you.

Our Hospice Volunteers provide valuable support to our Hospice staff and the patients and families they serve. Volunteers touch lives, and change them for the better, in these and other ways:

• Patient Care Volunteers offer companionship and respite to terminally ill patients and their caregivers. May also assist with meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation and errands.
• Specialty Services Volunteers provide patient and family support through diverse skills such as music, art, massage therapy, scrapbooking, journaling, haircutting and bookkeeping.
• Bereavement Volunteers offer continued support to Hospice families after a patient's death through telephone calls and/or visits. May assist with bereavement support groups and memorial services.
• Office Volunteers provide filing, computer data entry, typing, telephone, and group mailing support. Also assists with special events, bulk mailings and marketing projects.
• Speaker's Bureau Volunteers educate the community about the Hospice program at RAVNAH and the services we provide.

RAVNAH provides a free, 8-week training course for individuals who wish to become Hospice Volunteers. This training includes an introduction to the hospice philosophy; discussions of death, dying, and grief; communication skills training; stress management skills; and an overview of diseases and conditions.

If you are interested in becoming a Hospice Volunteer, call 802.770.1683 or email us at volunteer@ravnah.org.

Click here to download a Hospice Volunteer Interest Contact Form. We appreciate your consideration and desire to support RAVNAH's Hospice Program.

"My uncle's wish to spend his last weeks at home would not have been possible without the medical and emotional support you all gave us. Special thanks go to all of the Hospice aides, volunteers, and the VNA and Hospice nurses who enabled us to allow Uncle Raymond to die with dignity at home surrounded by his family. You are all truly angels in disguise."
~ Niece of Hospice patient