A volunteer’s story

"Saying that 'volunteering for hospice is rewarding' is an understatement," explained Julie Schroder, patient and family support volunteer for Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado. "I volunteer for an organization that really cares about people and is respected in the community; with them I have a purpose.

What more could I ask for?"

Schroder has been volunteering for hospice for 5 1⁄2 years, giving 30-40 hours a month to help with whatever is needed — mostly yard work, transportation, and light housekeeping. She truly enjoys anything that has to do with being active and outside.

Recently, a couple was very thankful to Julie for helping with their household chores as the wife recalled, "I've been doing these chores for over 60 years now. It takes me almost a full day anymore to complete them all. I'm so happy to have Julie around, she helps so much, and now I can spend more time with my husband."

"I've never felt so appreciated in my entire life," Schroder explained. "I've given a lot of time and worked a lot of jobs in my lifetime, and this, hands down, is the greatest job ever."

Hospice is always in search of additional volunteers even for just one or two hours a week. They provide flexible scheduling, ongoing training and a variety of opportunities to become involved. "Volunteers can visit with a patient, share hobbies or a story, read to a patient, run errands, provide transportation or relieve a caregiver for a small amount of time," Trinda Nelson, volunteer coordinator at hospice, says.

Administrative assistants and gala volunteers are also needed. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact Trinda Nelson at 874-6823.

• < Prev
• Next >