Volunteer Needs From: United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center

Ministry We Honor Veterans Hospice Volunteer

Ministry Hospice is seeking Veterans that would visit the homes of patients that are Veterans themselves to celebrate and honor their service.  Every Veteran receiving hospice care will receive a lapel pin, a patriotic lap quilt, and a framed certificate of appreciation.

Hospice provides free, extensive training for all volunteers.  Please contact Susan for more information at 715.204.3443 or susan.barrett@ahah.net. 

LifeDirect Volunteer Installers Needed Ministry LifeDirect is in need of volunteers to install personal emergency response units in subscribers’ homes in the Marshfield, Stevens Point, Wausau, Waupaca and Wisconsin Rapids areas.    LifeDirect provides a 24-hour personal emergency response service to people who want to continue living independently, who may be elderly, medically at risk or disabled. The service provides a small device that is worn by the individual; when the button is pushed, an alert activates assistance by trained professionals any time of day or night.   The program relies on specially-trained volunteers to travel to subscribers' homes to install the devices, teach subscribers how to use the system and check on them if and when concerns arise.  Schedules are flexible and incurred mileage is reimbursed.   For more information, please contact Kate Frisk, MinistryLifeDirect Coordinator at 844.601.3899.

Memory bears are beautifully handmade stuffed animals constructed from the personal clothing of patients served by Ministry Home Care-Hospice.   The keepsakes are designed to bring the surviving family members closer to the memory of their loved one.  The Ministry Hospice Memory Bear program is in its seventh year and you can be part of our expansion program to the Stevens Point and Wausau areas! 

If you love to sew and want to be part of a wonderful group of volunteers who support each other in this project, please contact Susan Barrett at 715.204.3443 or susan.barrett@ahah.net.

We do provide training for volunteers involved with Memory Bears. You will become part of the wonderful Ministry Hospice team, yet sew at home when you have time.  Through your efforts, you will help to assist our patients and families on their hospice journey. Funds received from bears directly support those patients that are under-insured or uninsured.

Share the Warmth of Hospice

Help bring comfort and care to those walking their final journey by wrapping them in a hand-made quilt or fleece blanket. This makes a great youth service project!  This is an on-going project for Ministry Hospice, with our highest needs in the fall and winter months.  All ages. 

Susan Barrett – 715.204.3443 or susan.barrett@ahah.net

Ministry Hospice Volunteer

Hold a Hand – Change a Life.  Highly trained volunteers assist with end-of-life needs of Hospice patients and their families.  On-going volunteer opportunities include direct patient interaction, bereavement, office work, fundraising events, and community education. Minimum age: 18

Next training: February 2017

Susan Barrett – 715.204.3443 or susan.barrett@ahah.net

Ministry Hospice Pet Therapy Volunteer

Highly trained volunteers with certified therapy pets provide emotional support and comfort through therapeutic interactions with pets.  For patients living in facilities, pet visitation may be used to enhance positive physical, cognitive, emotional and social interactions, as well as to help normalize the environment and reduce stress.

Prior to handler and pet being accepted as a volunteer team, the handler will participate in and successfully complete the standard volunteer training program. The pet must meet all health requirements, and dogs must be certified through Therapy Dogs International (TDI) or a similar organization using the same criteria for certification. Minimum age: 18

Next training: February 2017

Susan Barrett – 715.204.3443 or susan.barrett@ahah.net

Ministry Hospice Music Volunteer

Play a Song – Change a Life.  Highly trained volunteers assist with end-of-life needs of Hospice patients and their families using their musical talents and abilities.  We encourage anyone interested in bringing joy and comfort, and have the ability to play an instrument and/or sing, to consider becoming a hospice music volunteer!  

All music volunteers are required to participate in and successfully complete the standard volunteer training program.  Our next training: February 2017.

Susan Barrett – 715.204.3443 or susan.barrett@ahah.net

Ministry Hospice Certified Massage Therapist Volunteer Highly trained volunteers certified as massage therapists provide emotional support, physical relief and comfort to hospice patients.  Massage therapy has been proven to reduce pain, stress and anxiety while enhancing positive, physical, cognitive, emotional and social interactions. All massage therapists are required to participate in and successfully complete our standard volunteer training program.  In addition, all massage therapists need to provide proof of certification. Minimum age: 18 Next training: February 2017 Susan Barrett – 715.204.3443 or susan.barrett@ahah.net