Become a Volunteer for WVH

Willamette Vital Health was started by volunteers in 1978. Volunteers are vitally important – they help in almost every area of our services. Wherever your interests lie, we have a place for you to get involved. We help tailor each volunteer experience to fit your specific interests and your schedule.

Progress Report Template
Upload Progress Report

How can you help?

No experience is required. Comprehensive volunteer training is offered free of charge and you are welcome to attend, with no obligation to volunteer. Opportunities exist for youth ages 12-17, as well as adults. Here are some of the ways you can serve people in your community.

Student Volunteer Program
Pet Therapy Program
Apply
  • check
    Provide a respite break for a family caregiver
  • check
    Visit a hospice patient in a care facility
  • check
    Serve as a Veteran to Veteran Volunteer
  • check
    Make check-in phone calls from the office for caregivers or the bereaved
  • check
    Help with chores (dishes, laundry, kitty litter, errands)
  • check
    Assist with clerical tasks in the office
  • check
    Help with grief support groups for adults and children
  • check
    Staff a table at a health fair
  • check
    Lend a hand with special events and fundraising
  • check
    Become a pet therapy volunteer or help with the needs of the pets of hospice patients
  • check
    Provide hospitality for patients and their guests at the Edward F. Tokarski Home
  • check
    Help with our Camp Mighty Oaks summer camp for grieving children
  • check
    Provide haircuts to hospice patients if you are state licensed in hair design or barbering

Student Volunteer Program

We welcome students to volunteer their time and talents. Many students have found that supplementing their academic coursework with experiential learning at Willamette Vital Health enhanced their educational experience. It’s a great way to explore the field of hospice or healthcare, as well. Often, middle, high school, and college students can receive credit or service learning hours for the time they volunteer. We are happy to work with your school to help you receive credit for your volunteer experience.
‍
For more information on volunteering as a student, contact a volunteer coordinator at 503.588.3600 or e-mail the Volunteer Services department.

Pet Therapy Program


"I have found that when you are deeply troubled there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source." ~ Doris Day

‍If you have a dog, cat or other animal with a compassionate spirit, we would love to give you the chance to bring that comforting presence to hospice patients and their families. The first step is to start the process for becoming a trained hospice volunteer yourself, and then tell us about your animal friend by completing the Pet Therapy Animal Application. For more information about becoming a Pet Therapy Team click here or call our volunteer coordinators at 503.588.3600.
‍
“While I run my toes over his arched spine, I actually feel my tension easing and my bunched up muscles relaxing. I imagine (as most dog owners do) that he ‘understands’ me, understands what I’m saying to him.” ~ ~Shobha Dé from “Speedpost: Letters to My Children about Living, Loving, Caring and Coping with the World”
‍

Apply to become a volunteer

If you have a volunteer idea in mind, call and let us know! We’re flexible and would love to work with you. Out of respect for the sensitive nature of hospice work, new volunteers are advised to wait at least twelve months after a significant personal loss before volunteering. E-mail Volunteer Services or call us at 503.588.3600 with any questions.
‍
Volunteers must be respectful of all people, responsible, and be willing to learn. Volunteers will have reference checks, a background check, as well as a drug test. If a volunteer will be helping in patient’s homes, a free TB test is needed, too. Continuing education and fun activities are offered year round to volunteers.
‍
Hospice volunteer training is provided in a distance-learning format, with computer access available at your home or the WVH office.
‍
All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application before your interview. For those wishing to volunteer at the Tokarski Home, a specific Tokarski Home volunteer application is required, due to state regulations.

Volunteer Application
Tokarski Home Volunteer Application