Rewarding, Amazing, Uplifting: Volunteering
Since Agrace opened our hospice inpatient unit (IPU) and residence in Janesville eight years ago, we’ve relied on help from dedicated volunteers.
“Volunteering here feels rewarding, amazing and uplifting,” says Marcy Gray, who’s been with the Janesville IPU since it opened. “My presence gives the patients comfort, knowing that someone cares enough about them to spend time with them. I can also give the family a needed break to take a walk or eat. Sometimes they just need another person to give them a comforting, listening ear or a hug. I always come away feeling like I made a difference.”
“When new volunteers come in, they’re apprehensive—until they realize ‘This is somebody’s loved one, and I can do this,’” explains Courtney Endicott, a Janesville-based volunteer coordinator. “That’s when the fear starts to dissipate. Then they can be a presence, for that person, at that time.”
Giving back for kindness shown: “Agrace was a huge help in keeping my husband at home in his last few months of life,” says Kelly Langmeier, also a Janesville IPU volunteer. “Everyone I met was so kind, compassionate, helpful and knowledgeable. I wanted to give back by volunteering.”
“I love learning about people and their lives,” Kelly notes. “I must be easy to talk to, because patients are sometimes surprised that they have told me so much about themselves.”
If you’re interested in volunteering, whether with hospice patients (like Marcy and Kelly do) or in a behind-the-scenes role, visit our volunteer web page or call (608) 327-7163.