Thanks to you, our volunteers, 2009 was a very good year for Hope. In fact, it has been a great decade.

 

Since the year 2000, you have given more than 665,000 hours of your time to help others in need!

 

However, numbers do not adequately tell our story.  Consider - or try to consider - how many patients and families were touched and comforted during all those thousands of hours. Think about how many people found emotional healing, spiritual peace, and had the companionship of a caring volunteer...the immeasurable support you have given to our office staff...the number of cookies baked!

 

We could not have cared for so many people in so many special ways without your support. You have set a beautiful example of community service.

 

We now look forward to another great year, knowing that you will be supporting our mission to provide exceptional care and support to every individual and their loved ones as they fulfill life's journey.

 

Best wishes in 2010!

Hope Honor Guard and Veterans History Project Training*
We are seeking volunteers passionate about honoring our U.S. Armed Forces Veterans.  Hope Honor Guard is responsible for presenting patients with certificates and other items of appreciation for their service. The presentations, which often include family and friends of the Veteran, are very moving as the patient sometimes shares memories of military service.  The presentations usually end with an official salute by an Honor Guard member who is a Veteran.  Volunteers who participate in this program will be required to adhere to a dress code, including a special beret provided by Hope.



Wednesday, January 20, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Fort Myers, HealthPark Office

February 6, 2010
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Winter Haven VFW Post 4289
2441 7th Street SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880
directions: http://www.polkveteranscouncil.org/vfw4289.html

11th Hour Volunteer Program*
Sitting with a patient during the last hours of life is a privilege and the utmost sign of respect. When a patient does not have family present, or the family is exhausted or uncomfortable being alone when their loved one dies, an 11th Hour volunteer can be a tremendous help. These special volunteers  are usually  called to a nursing home, assisted living facility, private home or a hospice house when a patient has 24-48 hours to live.  The hours and days vary depending on need.  If you would like to be on the list to help, you will need to attend a special, two-hour class. 
 
Joanne's House, Bonita Springs
Community Room
January 12, 2010
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
Hospice House Cape Coral
Community Room
January 12, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
 
Patient Feeding Class*
Volunteers are needed to assist in feeding patients in our hospice houses.  It is important to understand how and  when we assist patients with eating.  Volunteers should be patient, social, and available during meal times. 
 
Cape Coral Community Room
January 13, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
 
Memorial Service Volunteer Program*
Volunteers are needed in the new Memorial Service Program to meet with a Chaplain or Memorial Support Counselor to review and coordinate activities for the services. A specific list of items required for the service will be provided for the volunteers to follow, and may include reception responsibilities, if requested. Volunteers will contact the family to confirm details and assist them with selecting personalized items for service and reception (develop a theme), such as background music, if needed. Volunteers will arrive one hour prior to service time to greet family and make sure the room is ready; assist Chaplain during and after the service,  and serve as a contact for the family, as needed.  
 
Joanne's House Community Room

Flower Re-Arranging - Cost $5.00 per person
Learn how to re-use donated flowers for public areas and patient rooms.  During this hands-on training, you will have the opportunity how to re-arrange flowers from a bouquet to get the most out of the arrangement.  Volunteers who attend this class may be asked to help at our hospice houses when needed to re-purpose flowers.  Attendees must bring their own knife and $5.00 per person to cover the cost of flowers.  Each participant will take home an arrangement.
 
Hospice House HealthPark
Community Room
January 27, 2010
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
 
Joanne's House, Bonita Springs
Community Room
January 28, 2010
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
Hospice House HealthPark
Community Room
January 12, 2010
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 
* You must complete classes in order to participate

New Volunteer Classes
Please let your friends and family know.  We continue to need patient support and transportation volunteers in all Hope service areas. Volunteer Orientation Classes are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

January 8 - Hope Chest Class
January 13 - Shell Point Village Class
January 20 - Cape Coral
February 3 - Bonita Springs
February 5 - Hope Chest Class

February 10 - Winter Haven
February 11 - Lakeland
February 12 - Highlands Regional Hospital
February 25 - Lehigh Acres
March 5 - Hope Chest Class
March 13 - Fort Myers
April 9 - Hope Chest Class
April 14 - Cape Coral
May 7 - Hope Chest Class

If you know someone who is interested in volunteering, please have them contact Joe Pardi or visit http://www.hopehcs.org/volunteer to complete a volunteer application.