Volunteer Opportunities

Fall 2008 Volunteer Training Opportunities

Beginning in September, the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, will host six-week training programs for individuals interested in becoming a Hospice Volunteer.  Programs will be hosted in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, and Union Counties.

The volunteer training program is designed to give participants an understanding of the needs of patients and families who are coping with advanced illness.  Upon completion of the program, volunteers will be connected with patients in close proximity to where they reside. 

For more information, or to register for a training program, please contact Spiro Ballas, Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center Senior Volunteer Coordinator, at 973-322-4866 or sballas@sbhcs.com.

Training programs will be offered at the following locations.

Bergen County

Beginning Thursday, October 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington

(Programs are double sessions and will run for 3 weeks.)

Essex County

Beginning Wednesday, September 17, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, West Orange

Beginning Monday, October 6, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville

Beginning Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark

(Programs are double sessions and will run for 3 weeks.)          

Monmouth County

Beginning Friday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch

(Programs are double sessions and will run for 3 weeks.)

Union County

Beginning Monday, September 15, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Townley Presbyterian Church, Union

(Programs are double sessions and will run for 3 weeks.)

Established in 1981, Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center provides comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care and support services for patients with advanced illness and their families throughout ten counties in the State of New Jersey. The program, which serves infants, children, adults and the elderly, honors the unique choices and values of patients and their families while offering full access to the broad array of services provided by the Saint Barnabas Health Care System.

“In as few as three hours a week, volunteers can make a tremendous difference in the life of a patient coping with advanced illness,” explains Ballas.  “Volunteers can read to patients, hold their hand, or just spend time with them while their loved ones take a breather.  They are also a resource to families, typically helping by listening to their thoughts and concerns or assisting them with small tasks.”   

[ top ]