April was Volunteer Recognition Month, and Family Hospice, Part of UPMC, recently acknowledged the dedicated volunteers who support Family Hospice patients and family members. Volunteers provide essential comfort and compassion for patients who have life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers.

“Family Hospice volunteers are ‘Silent Angels’ who are compassionate, kind and loving,” said Volunteer Coordinator Catherine Zimmerman-Moyer.

“They see the value of being present with a hospice patient while providing caregiver relief to family member. They also understand the importance of walking with someone in their grief journey.

“They know that grief is just love with no place to go, and they understand with that major loss comes new beginnings.”

The Blair County Family Hospice team includes Betty Friedenberger of Altoona, Jeanne Habinyak of Martinsburg, Pastor Joe Hollen of Fallentimber, Gina Itle of Martinsburg, Vicki Johns of Hollidaysburg, Natalie Johnson of Duncansville, Michele Lloyd of Duncansville, Becky Mathers, formerly of Altoona, Jennie Settlemyer of Altoona, Sherry Merritts of Tyrone and Denice Rodaniche of Altoona.

Family Hospice volunteers embrace the opportunity and privilege to support patients and their caregivers through a significant and inevitable season of life.

Hospice volunteers make an impact in various ways, such as visiting with patients, providing relief for caregivers, assisting with clerical tasks, making phone calls, communicating with grieving family members and more. Family Hospice is recruiting additional volunteers to join the current team.

Volunteer involvement is determined by the individual’s skills, desires and schedule.

Volunteers are good listeners who display flexibility, understanding and empathy. The time commitment for a volunteer can vary from several times per month to weekly.

There are differing volunteer opportunities to match the strength and availability of volunteers. Specialized training is provided for new volunteers.

For more information or to apply for serving as Family Hospice volunteer, contact Zimmerman at 814-502-5948 or zimmermancp@upmc.edu.