Empath Health has earned Service Enterprise Accreditation, a national recognition awarded to organizations that demonstrate excellence in strategic volunteer engagement. Administered by the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), the accreditation recognizes organizations that effectively integrate volunteers into their mission and community impact.
Across Florida, volunteers play a vital role in supporting patients, families and caregivers served by Empath's seven hospices Hospice of Marion County, Empath Hospice, Suncoast Hospice, Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough, Tidewell Hospice and Trustbridge Hospice (Hospice by the Sea and Hospice of Palm Beach County), as well as Empath's broader network of care and support services.
Strengthening Volunteer Engagement Across Florida
The accreditation reflects years of work to strengthen volunteer engagement practices across the enterprise, creating a unified approach to volunteer recruitment, training, support and recognition. During the review process, surveyors highlighted Empath's volunteer satisfaction initiatives, culture of volunteerism and training provided to both volunteers and team members.
For Stacy Groff, vice president of care & connections, the recognition reflects the dedication of both volunteers and staff.
"Volunteers extend our mission every day through acts of compassion, service and connection," said Groff. "This accreditation recognizes the intentional work that goes into supporting volunteer engagement across Empath, but it also reflects the incredible commitment of the volunteers who give their time and talents to serve others."
The accreditation surveyor praised the organization's people-first approach, writing:
"The work to which you and the team committed to unify engagement practices, elevate the strategy, and overcome challenges and changes is impressive, but the people-centered approach to your work is what stood out most to me. It was truly an honor to witness and support those efforts."
The People Behind the Achievement
The accreditation, which remains active through 2029, places Empath among a distinguished group of nonprofit and healthcare organizations recognized for leveraging volunteer talent to strengthen programs and expand community impact.
For Empath, the honor is ultimately about the people behind the work. Across Florida, volunteers sit beside patients, listen to cherished memories, honor veterans, share the comfort of a therapy pet, support grieving families, welcome visitors and assist with countless behind-the-scenes tasks that help our teams provide exceptional care. Their compassion and generosity strengthen every corner of our organization and every community we serve.
We are grateful to the volunteers, volunteer leaders and team members whose dedication made this achievement possible.
Click here to learn more about volunteering opportunities in your home town.
