Volunteer education starting in March at hospice

Volunteers provide companionship and support to the terminally ill and their loved ones. They share stories, write letters, and listen. Those in direct care are assigned a patient and family, and visit as needed. There is an increasing need for bilingual people.

Serving on the baking brigade, or assisting with a variety of special events or office duties also involve volunteers.

The nine-class training program covers patient-family dynamics, personal death awareness, grief, bereavement, spirituality, and documentation. HRRV serves Lee, Whiteside, Bureau, Carroll, and Ogle counties.

Hospice volunteer Jackie Gangloff said using hospice does not mean the end. "It's not saying the end is near, it's doing everything you can to help until the end comes."

For more information, call Judy Jellerichs at 815-288-3673.