Sharing The Spirit Of Hospice Volunteering

In honor of National Volunteer Week – April 21-27 – Coastal Hospice is pleased to recognize a volunteer who gives her time and talents in a variety of ways that help us achieve our mission to promote the dignity and quality of life for patients and families who face life-limiting conditions. From the beginning of her volunteer career with Coastal Hospice, Jennifer Hamilton's contributions have enriched the lives of so many across Delmarva. Her professional knowledge and skills are as diverse as the assignments Coastal Hospice has asked her to accomplish.

As a licensed counselor, patient care volunteering is a natural fit for Jennifer. She is frequently holding the hand of a patient, listening while they talk about their lives, family and often their fears. Her patient care volunteer hours are also filled with running errands for patients, tidying up, and talking with family members. Her friendly and calming demeanor, along with her highly developed listening skills, provide non-judgmental comfort and care to our patients. "Many families have expressed their deepest gratitude for her assistance and emotional support, says Coastal Hospice Volunteer Services Manager Judy Hunt-Harris "It takes a special person to visit those facing life limiting illnesses and Jennifer is that special person."

Jennifer says patient care volunteering is extremely rewarding. "The time I spend with patients tends to be quiet and peaceful. It's not uncommon for me to be holding a patients hand and listening. These are my favorite moments. As with many other volunteers, I've been grieving a loved one. The experience of loving and caring for someone who is dying was life changing. It reinforced for me how important it is for families to have the ability to be together when a loved one is faced with a terminal illness."

In January, she put her counseling background to work for other volunteers, sharing her knowledge about compassion fatigue by presenting in-services trainings in Berlin, Salisbury and Cambridge.

A creative amateur photographer, Jennifer shoots and posts all the photos for our Thrift Shop Facebook page. Jennifer's newest photography adventure has led her to the Bennett Farms green house to chart the growth of our nearly 7,000 geraniums for our upcoming geranium sale. Her knowledge of marketing has inspired others to follow her example in recruiting and educating the public about hospice during local health fairs.

"Photography has provided me with a creative outlet since childhood and I have been especially excited about pairing my hobby with a cause I believe in," she says.

Jennifer volunteers for Coastal Hospice because it reflects her personal values and because of the service it provides the community. "While volunteering I've observed the dedicated work of all of those at Coastal Hospice. I've learned how truly dedicated the professional staff are in providing compassionate care to those in our community. What great role models we have! This is also one of the reasons why it's so nice to volunteer for Coastal Hospice. I encourage all who have an interest in volunteering to check out this dynamic organization."

Coastal Hospice is so thankful to have her and our many other volunteers as part of our team. “Her generosity has touched the lives of many of those in our community at their time of greatest need,” Judy says. “We are thankful for her many hours of dedicated service.”