Join the Hospicare Ambassadors
Help Us Change How Our Community Sees Hospice Care
Hospicare is more than end-of-life care—we’re about living fully, with comfort and dignity. But too many people in our community don’t know about the support we provide or have misconceptions about hospice care.
We need your help to change that.
We’re launching a new Ambassador Program that brings together Hospicare staff and community volunteers to spread awareness throughout Cortland and Tompkins counties. Together, we’ll show our neighbors that Hospicare is approachable, caring, and here when families need us most.
Why Join?
- Make a real impact with just 3-5 events per year—less than one every other month.
- Choose what fits you: speaking to groups, staffing information tables, or helping with event logistics.
- Connect with like-minded people at monthly meetups that feel more like catching up with friends.
- Get everything you need: complete training, materials, and ongoing support so you feel confident and prepared.
- Be part of changing lives: Every conversation could help a family access care that transforms their most difficult time.
What You’ll Do
- Staff information tables at community events (health fairs, Apple Fest, senior expos)
- Share Hospicare’s story with community groups (Rotary clubs, churches, civic organizations)
- Help with small community events like chicken barbecues or wellness fairs
- Distribute information to libraries, community centers, and other local spaces
- Connect us with new opportunities in your own networks
What We Provide:
Monthly meetings (rotating between counties, with virtual options) include training, event planning, team building, and light snacks. We’ll give you talking points,
materials, and pair you with experienced staff members or volunteers until you feel comfortable.
Ready to Learn More?
Please click on the Sign Up Now button below to get started. For more information, please email Margo Holley or call (607) 272-0212.
There are three main ways you can get involved
Patient Support Volunteers
Specially trained patient support volunteers commit to assist our patients and their families two to four hourPatient support volunteers are vital members of the team who commit 2–4 hours per week to support patients and families in a variety of meaningful ways.
After completing our core training, you can help with:
- Companionship: Sit quietly, listen, read aloud, or simply offer a comforting presence for a patient in their home or the facility where they reside.
- Respite: Give family/caregivers the chance to rest, run errands, or care for themselves.
- Practical Help: Assist with small household tasks, run errands, pick up groceries, or help organize paperwork.
- Special Projects: Help with creative tasks like scrapbooks, photo albums, or Legacy Letters.
- Massage: Provide gentle, relaxing touch, if you are a licensed massage therapist.
- Pet Visits: Bring certified animals to visit patients in our residence.
- Threshold Singers: Offer comforting music at the bedside for our patients and their families, as part of a specially trained singing group.
- Tuck-In Phone Calls: Make weekly calls to ensure patients are comfortable and have sufficient medications and supplies before the weekend comes.
- Grief Support: Provide support to the bereaved through calls and mailings.
Learn more about being a patient support volunteer.
Ready to get started? Fill out our volunteer application or contact our Manager of Volunteer Services, Kaide Magee, at 607-272-0212 to learn more.
Hospicare Ambassador Program
Team up with Hospicare staff and other community members to help spread awareness in Cortland and Tompkins counties. If you enjoy interacting with your community, this could be the perfect fit for you. Ambassadors will help with:
- Staffing information tables at community events
- Distributing information to libraries and community centers
- Helping with small events or civic engagement projects
- Sharing Hospicare’s story with small groups, like Rotary clubs or churches
Training and support is provided at monthly meetings. Learn more and get started.
Community Support Volunteers
Not every volunteer role involves direct patient care!
Our community support volunteers help with:
- Office work and administrative tasks with the Development Department.
- Organizing or setting up for events like Illuminations or Seasons of Solace
- Assisting during fundraising events, like helping swimmers stay safe during Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare
These roles require only a short orientation and are a wonderful way to give back if you prefer a behind-the-scenes role.
For more details, please contact our Director of Development & Community Relations, Emily Hopkins, at 607-272-0212.