By Amy Conradt
Volunteering with a hospice organization is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. Yet too often stigmas around the concepts of hospice and death can make people reluctant to serve in this field. That’s why we’re spotlighting some of the amazing people who volunteer with Goodwin Hospice. In these Q&As, we’ll explore what brought them to Goodwin Hospice and what the experience has meant to them.
There are many ways to volunteer with Goodwin Hospice. Volunteers must be a minimum of 21 years old and can engage in a range of activities. Some spend time one‑on‑one with patients, offering companionship through conversation, music, reflection or spiritual presence. Others support families by giving caregivers short breaks—running errands, helping with light household tasks or sitting with a patient so that their caregivers can step away when needed. Volunteers may also contribute in less visible but equally important ways, assisting with administrative and clerical work that supports the hospice team behind the scenes.
Meet Goodwin Hospice Volunteer Faith San Felice
How did you get involved with Goodwin Hospice?
My connection to Goodwin Hospice began as a singer with the Threshold Singers of Washington, DC (TSDC). TSDC’s mission, along with the mission of the international Threshold Choir community, is “to sing to those at the thresholds of life.” Our choir was interested in singing to those served by Goodwin Hospice, which required the completion of extensive hospice training. The training allowed me to volunteer directly with patients – as a TSDC singer and as “friendly visitor” – and with Goodwin Hospice team members as a meditation teacher with a focus on restful practices for caregivers.
What’s been the most meaningful part of volunteering?
I consider it a privilege when a patient or their loved ones welcome me into their living space. If my time as a hospice volunteer brings comfort, connection and perhaps a smile to a patient or their loved ones, then that is the most meaningful part for me.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?
There are many ways to volunteer for hospice. You might choose to serve patients directly, or you might choose to serve in an administrative role with the hospice team members. Whatever you choose, be consistent and respectful because the patients and their families place their trust in you.
What’s small moment in hospice volunteering that’s stuck with you?
The small, memorable moments happen most often when I volunteer directly with patients. It is difficult to choose just one to share! When the patient that I visited as a friendly visitor referred to me as her “best friend,” I knew that we connected in a way that was meaningful and supportive and brought her a sense of joy.
What is one word you’d choose to describe your experience and why?
Word: Inspiring
Why: As a volunteer, I’ve met so many people. They inspired me to expand my role as a Goodwin Hospice volunteer to include friendly visitor, TSDC singer, bereavement volunteer and meditation teacher—all in the pursuit of supporting patients, caregivers and the bereaved. Beyond my role as a volunteer, my experiences inspired me to pursue coursework on the topics of aging, death and dying, and bereavement.
Become a Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering with Goodwin Hospice, please fill out this form. We’d love to hear from you!
