Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 15, 2025 – Emmanuel Hospice is looking for volunteers in the greater Grand Rapids area to provide companionship and support to patients.
The organization is in particular need of patient/family support volunteers in the northern regions of the metropolitan area, specifically Belmont, Greenville and Sparta. Volunteers with pets are also needed to join the nonprofit’s popular pet visitor program.
“Emmanuel Hospice relies on the generosity of volunteers to uplift the quality of life of our patients and their loved ones,” Volunteer Coordinator Holly Salas said. “Our volunteers bring compassion and joy to our patients during a particularly difficult time. By providing a peaceful presence, companionship and laughter, volunteers help make hospice more about living.”
Patient/family support volunteers help enhance patients’ quality of life through one-on-one conversation. They spend time listening, reading, sharing positive memories, capturing patient life stories and more at the bedside.
Volunteers who participate in the pet visitor program are first trained as patient/family support volunteers, in addition to having their pet certified as a companion animal. Pet visitors and their human companions are specially trained and selected to match each patient’s specific needs, energy level and abilities.
Emmanuel Hospice makes all the arrangements needed for a pet to become certified as a pet visitor on the volunteer’s behalf and covers the certification cost. The process involves documentation of current wellness exams and vaccinations as well as three observation visits.
Other volunteer roles involve making bereavement calls, supporting office needs, assisting with community outreach, knitting and card-making. A veteran-to-veteran program is also available for veterans and active-duty service members to support patients who share the common thread of military service.
“I’m passionate about matching the unique skills and interests of prospective volunteers with the right opportunity,” Salas said. “You’ll be set up for success with all the training you’ll need and an assignment tailored to your strengths. If you have any interest in volunteering, I encourage you to reach out for more information.”
Individuals who are interested in volunteering must first undergo a criminal background check and screening for tuberculosis before receiving training.
An in-person orientation to onboard new volunteers will be offered from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the nonprofit’s Grand Rapids office. The event will include a thorough introduction to Emmanuel Hospice and its volunteer roles, policies and procedures. Alternatively, a hybrid option including an in-person meeting and self-paced online course is also available.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering and wants to learn more is encouraged to email EHvolunteer@EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616.719.0919 and ask for Holly. More information about volunteer opportunities can also be found at EmmanuelHospice.org/volunteer.
About Emmanuel Hospice
Emmanuel Hospice is an interfaith provider of compassionate, person-centered hospice care to patients and their loved ones in West Michigan. Serving the community since 2013, the nonprofit draws on a team approach that focuses holistically on mind, body and spirit, working to enhance each patient’s life with a combination of expert medical care, spiritual counseling and complementary therapies and services – because hospice is more about living than dying. Emmanuel Hospice has expanded to serve all of Kent and Ottawa counties and portions of Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Ionia, Montcalm and Muskegon counties. For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org.