Teen Volunteers: Prep for College, Career

On Saturday, April 28, Hospice Care Plus will train a new class of volunteers. All are welcome and needed but, as summer approaches, teenagers are especially encouraged to attend.

To pre-register for the training, contact Stefanie Manes, volunteer coordinator, at 859-626-9292 or hospice@hospicecp.org.

Hospice allows teens age 14 and up to participate in its volunteer program, which has over 100

Destiny Middleton, a Madison Central High School student, is one of several teen volunteers at Hospice Care Plus. She plans to study pediatrics at UK.

active members.

“This is the last training we’ll have before summer,” said Manes. “So, teens who want to do volunteer work this summer should definitely attend.”

Manes says the teen volunteer program matches local teenagers with roles that play to their strengths. Outgoing personalities enjoy front-desk volunteering at the Compassionate Care Center, greeting visitors and supporting family members. Quieter teens often appreciate more behind-the-scenes work, like administrative support tasks.

Destiny Middleton, a sophomore at Madison Central High School, volunteers at the Compassionate Care Center every Monday evening. She’s comfortable interacting with patients, family members, and visitors, and with the range of people who call the Center by phone throughout the day. And she gets something out of it, too.

“I want to attend UK and study pediatrics,” said Middleton. “And my family and I have had personal experience with hospice care, so I wanted to do something to give back to other families. Volunteering with Hospice Care Plus will help me achieve my career goals, but also my desire to help others.”

Some of the first teen volunteers have graduated and are now in, or are about to enter, college. Manes says she gets feedback from them on how volunteering helped prepare them for what comes after high school.

“They’ve shared with me that it helps them build confidence, gain experience, and hone their social skills as they prepare for college and career. Plus, it satisfies their desire to give back. In that sense, it really is a good thing all the way around.”

Middleton agrees.

“I think it’s important for teenagers to get involved in their communities. Sure, we can all do something within our schools, but for me, this was the place that I knew I could make the most difference, and it’s been a fulfilling experience so far.”

Manes says interested individuals should pre-register for the New Volunteer Training by April 23.

Hospice Care Plus is a non-profit organization serving Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley and Rockcastle counties. Services include hospice care, palliative care, bereavement support, and hospice inpatient care at the Hospice Care Plus Compassionate Care Center.