Volunteering in Pinellas or Hillsborough County

Close-up of hands gently resting on a lap, showing aged skin and light pink painted nails.

3,700

Individual Volunteers

Two men in white shirts share a joyful conversation outdoors with greenery in the background.

355K

Volunteer Hours

How Compassion and Empathy

Add Up

When people choose to give their time, something powerful happens. Across our communities, volunteers create meaningful moments, lighten burdens, and help make Full Life Care possible. Their collective impact reaches further than we can measure — but we feel it every day.

Eternally Hopeful

Sit quietly. Share a smile. Bring light when it’s needed most. Our volunteers show up with open hearts and steady presence — reminding people they’re never alone.

Profoundly Helpful

Welcome visitors. Address envelopes. Feed a pet. Ring up a sale. Whatever the task, our volunteers are always ready to lend a hand — with care, compassion, and zero hesitation.

Lovingly Truthful

Listen deeply. Speak kindly. Show up just as you are. Our volunteers bring honesty and warmth to every moment, honoring each story with empathy and respect.

Confidently Skillful

Play the piano. Lead an art project. Offer a gentle massage. Our volunteers bring their whole selves — trained, prepared, and ready to share skills that make a real difference.

Courageously Impactful

Hold a hand. Honor a veteran. Walk alongside someone through grief. It takes courage to show up in life's tender moments — and our volunteers do it with heart, every time.

I can see what the patient needs and then give them that hand rub, or put some music on. I have a need to give, and that need is fulfilled here.

Mollie Rae

Palliative Arts Volunteer

Empath was there for me with my mom and my husband, so volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Stepping into other folks' homes and lives is truly a privilege.

Pamela

Palliative Arts Volunteer

I thought the only way to give back to hospice was to sit with patients. When I found out about the resale shops, I knew I wanted to help.

Linda

Resale Shop Volunteer

My time volunteering has helped me grow. I used to be reserved and shy. Now I initiate conversations and help lead. Seeing a care center resident walk by chalk art I've drawn shows me the impact I've made.

Isabel

Teen Volunteer

Paka has become very popular. He goes into dementia units. As soon as people see him, they smile and say, 'Hi dog!' Five minutes later, they may not remember, but at that moment, we made their day.

Fred + Paka

Empath Volunteer + Therapy Dog

Teens

Bring your energy, compassion, and curiosity — we'll help you make an impact.

Teen volunteers are an important part of our mission. Whether you're exploring career paths in healthcare, looking for community service hours, or simply want to brighten someone's day, your time and presence matter. You'll grow in confidence, empathy, and connection while making a real difference.

Presence + Comfort

Companionship. Conversation. Quiet support.

It all matters. Presence + Comfort volunteers offer warmth, connection, and relief to patients and families in moments that matter most. Whether it's reading a book, making a call, sharing music, or simply sitting in silence, these volunteers are a vital part of how we deliver Full Life Care with dignity and love.

Essential Support

Every task supports care. Every hour moves our mission forward.

These are the steady hands behind the scenes. From organizing donations to answering phones, greeting guests, helping with mailings, or delivering supplies — this work ensures that patients, families, and teams have what they need to focus on what matters most.

Opportunities for Teen Volunteers:

Visit with patients in care centers or senior care facilities
Explore their creative sides with craft projects, Cheer Teams and birthday celebrations
Power our resale shops sorting donations, tidying displays, or greeting customers
Interview and record patient stories through the Lifetime Legacies program
Help with office tasks like filing, preparing packets, or assembling mailings
Pitch in at special events like summer or holiday programs by welcoming guests, setting up supplies, or preparing materials

Group of young volunteers watering and planting a tree in a sunny green park wearing gloves and white shirts

Opportunities for Presence + Comfort Volunteers:

Visit patients in homes, assisted living, nursing facilities, and care centers
Use their talents like music, art, reiki, massage therapy or end-of-life doula care
Provide companionship and respite to caregivers of Empath LIFE participants
Make bereavement support calls or visits (calls may be made from home)
Offer telephone check-ins to provide comfort and identify needs (daytime and evening opportunities available)
Visit patients with your certified therapy pet
Support veterans through visits, pinning ceremonies, and storytelling (including Veterans History Project interviews and appreciation events)

Elderly woman and young woman wearing aprons preparing dough together in a cozy kitchen

Opportunities for Essential Support Volunteers:

Support resale shop operations (sorting, pricing, displays, cashiering)
Provide office support (phone calls, data entry, scanning, filing)
Greet and assist guests at welcome centers
Lend a hand at fundraising and community events or by delivering essential supplies and assisting with light maintenance
Restock and organize food pantries and donations at EPIC locations
Lead creative group activities at Empath LIFE, like sewing and games

Elderly woman signing document assisted by two smiling female caregivers in green uniforms indoors.

How often do I need to volunteer?

We welcome volunteers with a variety of availability. Many choose to give a few hours each week, while others support special events or seasonal needs. Some roles, like teen volunteering, have a set minimum commitment, but we'll work with you to find the right fit for your schedule and our programs.

As a volunteer, will I be working directly with patients?

That's up to you. We offer both direct patient support roles and non-patient roles such as administrative help, thrift store service and hospitality at care centers. Volunteers who wish to support patients and families will receive specialized training and complete additional screening.

What if I want to give back, but I don’t know what kind of volunteering is right for me?

That's more common than you think—and it's a great place to start. When you apply to volunteer, we'll talk with you about your interests, experiences, and availability. Whether you love connecting with people, prefer working behind the scenes, have a creative skill, or simply want to help where it's needed most, we'll help you explore roles that match your talents and passions. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to volunteering—and that's what makes it so powerful.

How old do teens need to be to volunteer?

To become a teen volunteer, you must be at least 14 years old and live or attend high school in Pinellas or Hillsborough County. And yes! You can earn service hours!

What is the screening process to become a volunteer?

All volunteers complete an interview, provide references, and undergo a background screening. Those volunteering with patients also complete fingerprinting and a tuberculosis test. These steps help ensure the safety of our patients, families, staff, and volunteers.

What training is provided?

Volunteers attend a general orientation day that covers Empath Health's mission, volunteer roles, and expectations. If you're supporting patients and families directly, an additional training day will prepare you with the knowledge and confidence to offer meaningful care. We also provide ongoing training throughout the year to help deepen your skills and expand your impact.

Can I volunteer with a group or as part of a community service project?

Yes. We welcome service clubs, school groups, corporate teams, and faith communities looking to make a difference together. Group volunteering opportunities range from organizing donation drives and beautifying care center spaces to helping with special events. Let us know your group's interests and we'll help coordinate a meaningful experience.

Are there opportunities for virtual or remote volunteering?

In some cases, yes. While many roles take place in person, we occasionally offer remote options like making comfort calls, writing notes of encouragement, or supporting administrative tasks from home. Ask us what's currently available in your area—we're always evolving to meet the needs of our community and volunteers.

Can volunteering help me explore a career in healthcare or social work?

Absolutely. Many of our volunteers go on to pursue careers in nursing, social work, counseling, and other caring professions. Volunteering offers firsthand experience with interdisciplinary teams and meaningful connections with patients and families. It's a powerful way to discover your path—and make a real impact along the way.

Many Ways to Serve