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Hospice volunteer training slated

by jmaloni

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Mon, Aug 4th 2014 10:00 pm

Niagara Hospice will hold a new volunteer training Tuesday, Aug. 19, and continuing Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 5-9 p.m. Niagara Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Mandy Raff said the organization is looking for compassionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of Niagara County residents as they make their final journey.

"We have many volunteer opportunities available," she said. "Positions include patient-related and non-patient related jobs. Volunteers are needed to assist with meal and comfort tote deliveries, hairdressing, and to simply visit with patients."

Visits take place in the patient's or caregiver's home, at Niagara Hospice House, and at area long-term care facilities where hospice patients reside. Other opportunities include helping with community outreach, clerical tasks and fundraising efforts of the Niagara Hospice Alliance. Raff said volunteers can choose to help in areas of their preference.

Veterans are needed to serve as hospice volunteers as part of the "We Honor Veterans" initiative launched by Niagara Hospice in partnership with the WNY Veteran's Administration.

Tricia Degan, director of marketing and public relations, said, "Our hospice patients who are veterans often don't talk about their service, but we have found that when we pair them up with a volunteer who is also a veteran, a special camaraderie is shared and patients find comfort and even relief being able to talk about their experience in the service with another veteran."

The Aug. 19 and 20 volunteer training will be held at the Wheatfield Community Center at 2790 Church Road in Wheatfield. Anyone interested can contact the Niagara Hospice volunteer office at 716-280-0748 for an application and to register. More information and volunteer applications are also available at www.NiagaraHospice.org.

Niagara Hospice served more than 900 families last year, and more than 20,000 Niagara County residents since 1988. Hospice is specialized care for the terminally ill. Niagara Hospice provides support services to both the patient and family, providing comfort, dignity and choice.

For more information, call Niagara Hospice at 716-439-4417 or visit www.NiagaraHospice.org.

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