Lindsey Brown

Heritage Hospice, Inc.

Volunteers are the foundation of Heritage Hospice, Inc. In fact, the organization was founded by volunteers under the leadership of Margaret Caldwell in the late 1970s. Since then, volunteers have continued to play a vital role to the effective team approach to end-of- life care at Heritage Hospice, Inc. They also engage in administrative work, fundraising, and helping out with special events. All of these various contributions are necessary in making Heritage Hospice, Inc. the successful agency that it is. Heritage Hospice Inc. provides end-of-life care in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln, and Mercer counties with the goal of having volunteers invested in each of the counties serve. Hospice volunteers can give as little time as they want, whether that is several hours a week or a couple hours each month. Any time is appreciated. The opportunities available to volunteers vary from providing companionship for a patient to working with family members up to 13 months after the death of a loved one to filing and data entry are also completed.

“I really feel like I’m making a contribution,” Jenette Litton said of her experience in volunteering with hospice. Almost two years into her service, Jenette has worked alongside patients in their home and also within the Heritage Hospice, Inc. office doing clerical work. “We can do things that we don’t think we can do. We can do things that we don’t think we want to do. And we can be happy doing these things because they benefit other people and give our lives meaning.” For Jenette, building relationships with patients and their families in Lincoln County, and simply being there for them, are the most rewarding aspects. “Find out a little bit about hospice and realize there are all kinds of ways that you can volunteer—with clerical and fundraising as well. Just get in and see what you can do, how you can contribute. Even if you don’t have a patient, you can still contribute to the whole idea.”

Volunteers are an important part of the Heritage Hospice, Inc team. Without their continued support, time, and dedication Heritage Hospice, Inc. would not be able to have such a positive impact on the community. Training is provided for all who are interested in volunteering. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, have reliable transportation, and complete an application screening process. For more information contact Wendy Hellard, Director of Volunteer Services or Renee Knies, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (859) 236-2425 or email at whellard@heritagehospice.com or rknies@heritagehospice.com respectively.