EverHeart Hospice offers wide range of volunteer opportunities across West Central Ohio

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EverHeart Hospice serves patients and families across 10 counties in West Central Ohio, providing care wherever patients call home, according to Volunteer Coordinator Tosha Rosengarten.

Rosengarten joined Kevin Sandler on Spectrum to discuss EverHeart’s mission, services, and the many ways volunteers can make a meaningful impact in the community.

EverHeart Hospice is a nonprofit organization that provides in-home hospice care, whether in a private residence, assisted living facility, or nursing home. The organization also operates an eight-bed inpatient care center in Greenville for symptom management and respite care, staffed around the clock. In addition, EverHeart offers bereavement support for up to 13 months following the loss of a loved one, available at no cost to families and community members, even if their loved one was not on hospice services.

Rosengarten said volunteering is often misunderstood because the word “hospice” can feel intimidating. In reality, volunteer roles are flexible and designed to fit a wide range of personalities and comfort levels.

Some volunteers assist behind the scenes, helping in the office, assembling bereavement candles, preparing admission binders, or covering the front desk. Others choose patient-facing roles such as companionship visits, caregiver relief, veteran pinning ceremonies, and participation in nursing honor guard events. EverHeart also partners with sewing groups that create items for patients.

“There really is something for everyone,” Rosengarten said. “If you have a compassionate heart and want to give back, we can usually find a role that fits.”

Volunteers also support families by providing caregiver relief, allowing family members time to run errands or simply step away for a short break while knowing their loved one is not alone.

Rosengarten emphasized that volunteering does not require prior experience. EverHeart provides training and an onboarding process, including online education and in-person orientation. Volunteers are never expected to replace professional staff, but instead serve as an added layer of support.

Time commitments are flexible, and volunteers are encouraged to give what they can. Some help seasonally, while others take breaks during winter months or when traveling. “We are grateful for whatever time someone is able to give,” Rosengarten said.

Volunteers also play a significant role in helping EverHeart manage costs, assisting with tasks such as medication deliveries and supply runs, allowing clinical staff to focus on patient care.

Currently, EverHeart has a strong need for volunteers willing to provide companionship visits and caregiver relief, especially for patients who may not have family nearby.

Those interested in volunteering can call EverHeart Hospice at 800-417-7535 and select option five for the volunteer department, or apply online at everhearthospice.org. EverHeart Hospice is also active on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where the organization shares events, resources, and community stories.

Rosengarten noted that one of the biggest misconceptions about hospice care is that it means giving up. Instead, hospice focuses on comfort, quality of life, and support. In some cases, patients improve and are discharged from hospice, with services available again if needed in the future.

EverHeart Hospice maintains offices in Greenville and Coldwater and continues to serve communities throughout the region.