Volunteer Support
Volunteers are an essential part of the care we provide to patients and families. Your time, compassion, and presence make a meaningful difference — and there are many ways to offer your support.
Ways Volunteers Make a Difference
Gilchrist volunteers support patients, families, and the community in many ways. While many volunteers work directly with those we serve, others assist with administrative tasks, special events, or outreach and education.
All volunteers receive training, with opportunities to pursue specialized roles in areas such as grief support, pediatric care, end-of-life doula services, or spiritual care.
Where Volunteers Serve
Volunteers provide comfort, connection, and practical help to patients and caregivers across a variety of settings.
Home Care
- Offer up to two hours per week of emotional and social support.
- Deliver food, run errands, and assist with essential tasks.
- Provide companionship for patients and respite for caregivers.
Hospice Care Centers
- Visit patients and families at Gilchrist Centers in Baltimore City, Howard County, and Towson.
Senior Living Communities
- Support patients in independent living, assisted living, and nursing home settings.
Community Support Programs
Pantry to Porch
Volunteers deliver essential food supplies from partner agencies directly to families experiencing food insecurity. This program offers nourishment, relief, and reassurance that the community cares.
Caring & Shalom Check-In Calls
Volunteers make friendly phone calls to provide reassurance, connection, and emotional support.
Administrative & Outreach Support
Not all volunteering happens at the bedside. These roles help support Gilchrist’s mission behind the scenes and in the community.
Administrative Support
Assist with admissions packets, data entry, and other essential office-based tasks.
Gilchrist Ambassadors Speakers’ Bureau
Serve as public speakers at senior centers, community groups, and workplaces on topics such as:
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Advance directives
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Hospice 101
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Palliative care
Additional Training Opportunities
Volunteers may choose to receive additional training in focused areas of care, based on their interests.
Grief Support Volunteers
Provide a compassionate presence in in-person and virtual grief support groups or serve as grief companions in senior living communities.
End-of-Life Doulas
Offer calm, supportive presence for patients who are actively dying and guidance for their families.
Reiki & Caring Touch Therapy
Promote comfort, relaxation, and emotional ease through gentle, therapeutic techniques.
Dementia Support (GUIDE Program)
Specially trained volunteers provide companionship and program support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, offering meaningful connections and added support.
Training & Support
All volunteers receive comprehensive training. Many roles also offer specialized education in areas such as grief support, pediatric care, spiritual care, dementia support, or end-of-life services.
Specialized Volunteer Programs
Sewing
Skilled sewists create heartfelt keepsakes for bereaved families. Our teams create memory bears and pillows crafted from cherished clothing of their loved ones. We also welcome knitters, quilters, and crocheters who create patriotic red, white, and blue lap blankets for our veteran program.
Pet Love
Certified volunteers and their therapy dogs bring joy, comfort, and emotional support to patients in homes, senior living communities, and hospice centers.
Veterans
Volunteers support our We Honor Veterans program, helping recognize and honor those who served. Activities include Salute to Service Ceremonies, Patriot Partners, Vet-to-Vet Cafés, visits, and special events.
Types Of Volunteer Programs:
College Program
For students enrolled in any post-secondary program—undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate, or medical school—as well as individuals in a gap or glide year preparing for medical school.
Traditional Adult Program
Gilchrist is now seeking adult volunteers across our entire organization.
Gen-2-Gen Program
(16-18 Years Old)
High school students ages 16–18 are paired with an adult mentor to visit hospice patients and offer companionship. This three-generation mentorship model helps teens build confidence while bringing comfort and connection to older adults.
