Monday, January 27, 2014

Crossroads Hospice seeks volunteers

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Know a student or other individual who needs community service hours?

Here's an opportunity, courtesy of Crossroads Hospice, which serves Wyandotte County and surrounding areas:
Crossroads Hospice seeks compassionate volunteers to join its team of “Ultimate Givers,” who strive to provide extra love and comfort to terminally ill patients and their families throughout Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Douglas, Miami, Shawnee and Jefferson counties.

“Ultimate Givers” visit with patients in their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing facilities, and help with clerical duties at the Crossroads office. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands, or provide respite for those caring for terminally ill loved ones.

Crossroads Hospice is also seeking volunteers to support its signature programs inspired by Jim Stovall’s novel, “The Ultimate Gift.” The “Gift of a Day” program asks patients what their perfect day is and staff and volunteers work to make it a reality.

For more information or to sign up as an “Ultimate Giver,” please contact Veronica Evans at 913-850-7500 or veronica.evans@crossroadshospice.com. Applications and training information are also available online at https://www.crossroadshospice.com/volunteering.

“Volunteers make a world of difference in the lives of hospice patients and their families,” says Evans, Volunteer Coordinator of Crossroads Hospice’s Lenexa office.  “By doing the little things such as being a friendly voice to patients, reading to patients, and giving caregivers a much needed break, our Ultimate Givers make a meaningful difference to families during a difficult and strenuous time.”

Before becoming a Crossroads Hospice “Ultimate Giver,” participants must complete an application, TB skin test, and training session lead by members of the Crossroads team. Volunteers must wait a minimum of one year after the death of an immediate family member or loved one before applying.

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.