MEEKER | HopeWest volunteers carry great responsibility. Not only do they fill gaps in the needs of our organization, serving those facing the challenges of aging, illness, and grief, but most importantly, their contributions expand on the exceptional care experienced by the families we serve.
In 2024, 82,276 hours were given by 1,085 volunteers to HopeWest, collectively across all service areas. These hours are equivalent to 40 full-time employees and a $2.7 million contribution.
Our volunteers’ dedication and heartfelt contributions of their time and talents expand to all our programs. By going above and beyond the basic standards of care, volunteers are part of what makes the HopeWest experience meaningful and memorable.
“Volunteers are the Heart of HopeWest,”said Diana Jones, Program Director at HopeWest. “Words cannot express how much I adore our volunteers and it’s an honor to work beside them. It’s because of their commitment to HopeWest that we have the resources to provide the care we all want for our family, friends, and neighbors.”
As essential HopeWest team members, volunteers provide vital services to people receiving care. They support patients and their families by offering respite care or helping to care for pets. Some give their time providing transportation or reading and writing letters for patients. Others enjoy developing new friendships with those we serve, planning routine visits, playing card games, or doing crafts.
Tonie Phillippi, a HopeWest volunteer and retired hospice nurse, says her motivation for volunteering stems from her love for patient care. Throughout her career and time volunteering with palliative care patients, she feels privileged to be invited into people’s lives and homes, offering care and connection where they feel most comfortable.
Though many skills from her nursing days helped to prepare her for her volunteer work as a patient companion, she has found volunteering to be a much different experience. While she formed close bonds with patients as a nurse, she now shares more of her personal life and emotions as a volunteer.
About three years ago, Tonie first met Michelle, a palliative care patient. Since then, they have grown close, so much that Michelle affectionately refers to Tonie as “sis.”
“She loves me, and I love her,” said Michelle.
And just like two sisters, the women visit and laugh together. Michelle says she especially likes it when Tonie paints her nails or helps apply her favorite lipstick. While Tonie hopes to be a bright spot in Michelle’s day, she admits she’s also humbled by how much she gains from the experience.
“I feel quite honestly that Michelle has given me way more than I’ve given her. I’m grateful,” said Tonie.
Beyond direct patient interactions, volunteers are strategically deployed throughout our organization and other programs, creating an environment conducive to comfort and healing. Volunteers provide administrative support, offer pet therapy, and participate in grief support services, among many other roles.
Volunteers are an integral part of our organization, so much so that this is reflected in our mission statement: Together, through creativity, volunteerism, and philanthropy, we profoundly change the experiences of aging, illness, and grief – one family at a time.
Each volunteer does their part to contribute to the HopeWest experience, which has made a memorable impact on lives in our community. You, too, can make our mission possible by giving your time, talent, and wisdom. To become a HopeWest volunteer, visit HopeWestCO.org/volunteer.
