Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the hospice philosophy. It is their continued support and commitment that allows a hospice plan of care to work effectively for the individual and the family. Whether it is through office help, family support, pet or music visits, family caregiver or bereavement services, each volunteer is vital to Niagara Hospice.

Niagara Hospice volunteer Mary Irwin casts her line with hospice patient Ulace Ealy during a fishing outing.

Niagara Hospice Volunteer Services

Whatever your experience, expertise or desire, we have a place for you.

Family Support/Respite Volunteers

Provide continuity of support services for patient/family within the interdisciplinary team approach of the hospice program including respite for the caregiver and/or services for the patient.

Vigil Team Volunteers

Provide intense support, encouragement and comfort to a family when the patient's death is imminent and the caregiver fears being alone. Specially trained volunteers work in teams of two until they are comfortable providing this service alone.

Office Support Volunteers

Administrative office volunteers (no patient/family contact) provide a variety of services that support the general operation of Niagara Hospice. Volunteers in the bereavement office help coordinate supportive mailings and provide general office work. Nursing office volunteers assemble admission packets, input information into the computer, file, and perform general office duties. Volunteers also assist the Niagara Hospice Alliance staff with mailings, events and other forms of fundraising.

Professional/Skilled Volunteers

Provide a variety of professional or technical services that support Niagara Hospice programs and clients.

Education Volunteers/Speakers Bureau Volunteers

SPEAKERS BUREAU VOLUNTEERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE SPEECHES. Opportunities available include speaking to small and large groups, meeting community members one-on-one at health and wellness fairs, and providing clerical help to the Public Relations Department. Volunteers can choose to participate in any one or all of these activities. A full training is provided and lasts until the volunteer feels comfortable with their assigned duties.

Veteran Volunteers

As part of the We Honor Veterans initiative with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Veteran's Administration (VA), Niagara Hospice actively recruits veterans to serve as hospice volunteers to visit patients who are also veterans. These veteran volunteers share a special and often meaningful camaraderie with their hospice patients.

Niagara Hospice Superteen Volunteers

You don't need to be an adult to enjoy the many benefits of being a volunteer. Niagara Hospice Super Teen volunteers are proving that volunteering is for anyone - no matter what your age! Super Teen volunteers are area high school students dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Niagara Hospice patients.

They gain valuable experience with patients and families, and learn some of life's most important lessons along the way. The program is excellent for teens interested in careers in health care and human services or any high school student looking for a fun way to meet volunteer requirements for high school and for college scholarships.

Fundraising Volunteers

Volunteers help the Niagara Hospice Alliance fundraising staff with record-keeping, solicitations, mailings, general office work and may also work on special fundraising events and projects.

Circle of Hope Volunteers

Assist outreach services staff in a variety of tasks including clerical help and helping with Camp Hope - an annual bereavement camp for children.

Volunteer Training Information

Anyone interested in volunteer training can contact the volunteer office Monday-Friday at (716) 280-0748 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Or, you can contact us by mail at:

Niagara Hospice Volunteer Services
4675 Sunset Drive
Lockport, NY 14094-1231

Or Click Here to fill out our online Volunteer Application.

Upon receipt of your application, the Volunteer Services Director will contact you for an interview. Prospective volunteers need to provide medical information and three written references. They are asked to commit to one year of service after completing an orientation and training program.

Niagara Hospice provides ongoing training, support and meaningful assignments to its most precious resource, volunteers!