One Mission
Many Ways to Serve
3,700
Individual Volunteers
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.
The Values Our Volunteers Bring to
Full Life Care
In Their Words:
Why They Give. What They Receive.
Opportunity Types
Teens
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
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
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 and families in long-term care facilities
- Assist with patient legacy projects and memory sharing
- Help with office tasks like organizing, assembling packets, or filing
- Support special events through setup, greeting guests, or distributing materials
- Contribute to craft projects that bring comfort and joy to patients
Opportunities for Presence + Comfort Volunteers:
- Visit patients in homes, assisted living, and nursing facilities
- Serve as an end-of-life doula, offering support and presence to patients in their final days (additional training required)
- Make bereavement support calls or assist with support groups
- Offer telephone check-ins to provide comfort and identify needs (some calls may be made from home)
- Share music, art, reiki, or massage therapy
- Provide Caring Touch hand massage or support patients through Expressive Arts (training available)
- Visit patients with your certified therapy pet
- Support veterans through visits, pinning ceremonies, and legacy storytelling
Opportunities for Essential Support Volunteers:
- Lead or assist with group volunteer projects through your workplace or community group
- Create comfort items like pillows, blankets, legacy books, or knitted gifts from home or with sewing groups
Thinking About Volunteering?
You Probably Have Questions
We know that taking the step to volunteer is a meaningful decision — and it's normal to have questions before you begin. Whether you're wondering about training, time commitments, or finding the right fit, this section is here to help. Let's walk through what you need to know to get started with confidence.
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?
Teen volunteers should be in high school or at least 14 years of age. 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 session that covers Empath Health's mission, volunteer roles, and expectations. If you're supporting patients and families directly, an additional training session 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 include everything from helping with comfort items and crafts for patients, to organizing donation drives and supporting 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 offer remote options like making various calls to patients. 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.
