Hospice & Early Care Program
Center for Solace believes that the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of those living with a terminal illness are unique. Hospice volunteers address those needs and support individuals to live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible. This program is for people who have a terminal diagnosis of two years or less.
In the Hospice and Early Care programs, we consider the family to be our client. This means that we can provide volunteer support for clients who are nearing the end of life, and to their families as well. Volunteers may provide caregiving respite, companionship, and a listening ear, and/or help with practical tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and transportation to appointments. Volunteers are trained to be sensitive and responsive to each family’s or client’s needs and preferences.
Once a referral is received, our program coordinator visits a potential client/family in their home in order to understand what is needed, and then carefully matches volunteers with clients. Our volunteers have undertaken a 30-hour training program, focusing on compassionate listening and personal death awareness, to prepare to be of service in our program. Our program coordinators support and supervise volunteers and clients throughout their work together.
Clients are those who are nearing the end of their lives, with a prognosis of 2 years or less to live. Program coordinators take phone referrals and do a home visit to assess whether a client is a good fit for our programs.
To make a referral for yourself or another person, or to request more information, please contact our Hospice Program Coordinators.
• Click here for a brief history of volunteer hospice
• Learn about becoming a Hospice & Early Care Program Volunteer
Our Hospice & Early Care Programs are coordinated by Erica Breen and Shari May.
Erica Breen:
802-257-0775 ext 112 erica.breen@cfsolace.org.
Shari May:
802-257-0775 ext 102
shari.may@cfsolace.org.
More Hospice Resources
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Hallowell Singers
Hallowell Singers is a community group affiliated with the Center for Solace that provides bedside singing for those who are ill or dying. Led by Kathy Leo, the singers offer a range of music, from quiet and melodic to uplifting hymns, tailored to the needs of the patient. They perform in private homes, nursing homes, and hospitals, and their service is free upon request. Their music is intended to bring comfort and healing to patients, families, and caregivers. Hallowell also offers CDs, sheet music, and a book by Kathy Leo, On the Breath of Song.
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Vigil Program
Our vigil program provides volunteer presence at the bedside of a person who is actively dying. Volunteers can provide respite for exhausted caregivers who need a break, or can sit vigil alongside caregivers or family members who would like accompaniment.
Volunteers are trained in confidentiality, in listening, and in providing a supportive presence, holding space for the dying one and other loved ones. Volunteers will not provide any medical care.
Anyone may request vigil support, regardless of whether they are otherwise a CfS client. We provide vigils in care facilities and in private homes. Vigil is usually provided during the day and evening hours, with only occasional overnights offered to those who are otherwise alone. To make a referral for a vigil, or to request more information, please call Erica at 802-257-0775, ext. 112.
