Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) is seeking volunteers to assist with important functions at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, and to visit patients in their homes or skilled nursing facilities throughout Summit, Medina, Stark and Portage Counties. Volunteers may lend compassionate support at the Hospice Care Center in Fairlawn through visiting patients, answering telephones, filing papers, assembling charts, assisting with mailings, running errands, or arranging flowers, among other activities. Volunteers to visit hospice patients in their homes are also needed, including particular needs for the Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge and Stow areas. Interests of volunteers are matched with our Hospice program needs.

Our volunteers receive comprehensive training covering such topics as the physical and emotional needs of patients and caregivers, spiritual aspects of care, the Hospice concept, comfort care issues, communications skills, active listening, and all aspects of death, dying, and grief and bereavement. New volunteers to the program are mentored by seasoned volunteers.

Spring volunteer training classes will be held May 13 and 20 from 1 p.m. " 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. " 9:30 p.m. Participants can choose to attend either afternoon or evening time classes, but are required to attend both dates. There is no fee. All classes are held at the Hospice of VNS Care Center located at 3358 Ridgewood Road in Fairlawn.

Perhaps this is what you've been looking for to extend a helping hand. There are limitless opportunities for you to add to the quality of the lives of our patients and their families. We consider our volunteers truly special people who are an essential part of the VNS family. The joy that you give and that you receive is wonderful.

For more information on volunteering for Hospice of VNS, or to register for volunteer training, please call Terri DeGeorge, Manager of Volunteer Services, at 330-668-4650 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4650 or Joyce Hargreaves, Volunteer Assistant/Trainer at 330-668-4637.

About Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS)
The purpose of Hospice of VNS is to alleviate suffering, engender hope, promote living and facilitate grieving among patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, their families and their communities. Hospice of VNS is a 2006 and 2007 HomeCare Elite Top Agency, and is an affiliate of Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates (comprised of Advanced Infusion Services, Hospice of VNS, VNS Personal Care Services, VNS Equipment & Supplies and Visiting Nurse Service). VNSA serves Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Wayne and surrounding counties and is a member of the Akron General Health System. Visit us on the web at www.vnsa.com.