Veteran "Vet to Vet" Volunteers

Hospice of Western and Central MA (HWCM) is seeking Military Veteran volunteers to provide companionship and socialization to veteran patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families who live in the community. Hospice of Western and Central MA is a level V partner with the We Honor Veterans (WHV) program, a partnership between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This pioneering program focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgement. By recognizing the unique needs of America's veterans and their families, our staff, and our veteran volunteers accompany and guide veteran patients through their life stories toward a more peaceful ending.

There are many roles a veteran volunteer can take. Veteran volunteers visit veteran patients offering companionship and socialization through activities, providing a quiet caring presence, or completing a life review. Alternately, a veteran volunteer may assist with or lead Veteran 'Vet to Vet' Cafes, Veteran Certificate of Appreciation ceremonies, and/or special projects that benefit the veteran community. We match veteran volunteers with roles that are close to their homes or workplaces.

Being a Hospice of Western and Central MA volunteer means being a member of an interdisciplinary team that focuses on the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. We offer an extensive orientation and ongoing education and support for all of our volunteers. This includes any pertinent infectious disease protocols, including COVID.

We ask that a veteran applying for this volunteer position:

-Have an honorable or general discharge from any branch of the United States military service

-Be willing to volunteer for 2-8 hours/month for at least 6 months

-Be willing to undergo a background check and a TB test