We celebrate the contributions of our volunteers in recognition of National Volunteer Week. We rely on volunteers to provide critical supports to patients and programs at fundraising events and in preparation for Town Meeting Day, at public foot-care clinics, and in the office. In addition, Central Vermonters may also complete a six-week training program led by Nicole Dupont, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, and volunteer with hospice patients and their families, including in local assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Here are profiles of four of our volunteers.
Suzanne Richman of Berlin is a hospice volunteer. She was called to service after years of conversations with close friends and after her parents utilized hospice, at separate times, as they approached death and could no longer safely care for themselves. “The infinite patience and compassion and skill of my parents’ nurses, aides, social workers, and physical therapists intertwined to make them the guides that our family needed.” Suzanne saw this same compassion in CVHHH’s hospice team. “There was a sense of deep regard and respect for the patients and their families in the way Jim Budis, CVHHH’s Hospice & Palliative Care Manager, and Nicole Dupont, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, spoke. It reflected the kind of humanity that I want to be a part of.”
“Our selfless hospice volunteers give families the gift of their time through respite, support, and care,” says Dupont. “To our patients, they provide companionship, a calming presence, and a human connection. CVHHH hospice volunteers are the most diverse, caring, and compassionate people I have ever encountered. To be able to leave your own troubles at the door of a stranger’s home, and to be fully present, is invaluable.”
Josh Mallery of Montpelier is a member of the volunteer planning committee for our annual Hospice Memorial Golf Tournament. “I go to anywhere from five to 10 golf tournaments every year,” he says. “And I always go to the CVHHH tournament, which is by far my favorite. It’s local. I really enjoy the people. It’s a great cause, and it’s really well run.” Josh doesn’t have personal experience with CVHHH’s services, and he says that he’ll be the first person to admit that he doesn’t know everything about CVHHH. “I honestly just want to help,” he says. “When CVHHH reached out to be part of the golf tournament planning committee, I didn’t have a second thought. I was honored they asked me to help because of the work you do. I have a busy work and personal life, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you can give back to your community and your family. It was a no brainer.”
Linda Gordon of Montpelier came to CVHHH through her previous employer, National Life Group, which has a robust volunteer program for its employees. Before the pandemic, Linda volunteered in our Medical Records group, putting patient admission folders together for patients enrolled in home care and hospice services.
Outside of CVHHH, Linda is an active volunteer, supporting Meals on Wheels and as the volunteer librarian at the military museum in Colchester. “It makes you feel good,” Linda says, simply. “I really like to help others.” Linda says that she would often take work home at night and finish prepping folders while watching TV. “The work is my way of helping others.”
Janey Malloy, also of Montpelier, says she wanted to volunteer at CVHHH when she retired because of a positive experience her mother had with CVHHH services. “We’d had a good experience with my mother, and then, when my daughter had a pretty horrible accident, we had CVHHH come in and provide home care support,” Janey says. When she thought about volunteer options, she came to CVHHH.
Janey has fond memories of working in the Med Records department with two former employees, Helen Gomez and Jane Valentine, with whom she became quite close. “I just looked forward to those three hours a week,” she says. “It really was an enjoyable part of my week.”
Over the past year and a half, 31 individuals have gone through CVHHH’s hospice volunteer training; and CVHHH relied on the support of about 60 volunteers organization wide. CVHHH is eternally grateful for the ongoing support of its volunteers and looks forward to continuing to open up and expand volunteer opportunities – with strict safety and infection protocols as needed – more broadly.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at CVHHH, visit www.cvhhh.org/volunteer.