Becoming a Volunteer
What Are The Benefits of Volunteering?
Volunteering for hospice is deeply rewarding. As a volunteer, you can make a meaningful difference for patients and their loved ones at a time when support matters most. You’ll build genuine connections, learn the stories of the people you visit, and provide comfort simply by being present. Your service not only helps families but also strengthens our mission. Many volunteers share that the experience leaves them with a renewed appreciation for life.
College Program
Students enrolled in any post-secondary program—including undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate, or medical school—as well as individuals in a gap or glide year preparing to apply to medical school.
Adult Program
We now seeking adult volunteers across the organization in all counties we serve including Veteran Support, Pet Love Project, and more!
Gen2Gen : Teen Hospice Volunteer Program
Join Gen2Gen, a unique volunteer program designed for teens (ages 16–18) who want to build connections, grow in empathy, and support individuals at the end of life.
Where Can I Volunteer?
Explore different location specific opportunities across our organizations.
We are currently seeking adult volunteers across Maryland.
We are currently accepting applications for volunteers serving in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties with The Lifecare Institute.
If you are interesting in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please contact us.
We are currently seeking volunteers in Hagerstown.
We are currently seeking volunteers in South-Central Pennsylvania.
Become a Volunteer
We ask that volunteers give 2-4 hours per week for at least one year. Schedules are flexible and meet the needs of both patients and volunteers. Our highest area of need for volunteer services is in patient homes and various senior living facilities in the community that a patient calls home. It is best if our volunteers can drive to these locations. In addition, we ask the following from volunteer applicants:
- Intake Interview (Virtual)
- Complete 10-hour online training course
- 2 references
- Criminal Background Check
- TB Screen and flu shot
- Final Onboarding (Virtual or In-person)
Volunteers have a special role on the care team. If this sounds like the type of volunteer experience you’re looking for, please submit an application above or contact us for more information!
Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions
Adult Program
Who qualifies for the Adult Volunteer Program?
- Willing to commit to 2 hours a week of service for a minimum of 6 months
- 18 years of age or older and out of high school. Students enrolled in any post-secondary school, including undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate, or medical school, please apply through the College Program below.
What are the next steps?
Completing an online application is the first step to becoming a volunteer. Volunteer Services reviews applications, and potential candidates are contacted for an interview. During the interview process, applicants can share more details about their interest in volunteering, get answers to any questions they may have, learn about the Department of Volunteer Services, our requirements for volunteering, and learn more about current volunteer openings.
What are the applicant requirements?
Applicants who are offered a volunteer role will be required to:
• Complete Hospice Orientation
• Complete HIPAA Training
• Provide proof of Covid vaccination
• Provide documentation of a current (within 12 months) PPD test
• Provide documentation of Flu vaccine (during flu season only)
• Complete an authorization for Criminal Background Check
College Volunteer Program
What are the benefits of volunteering at Gilchrist?
• Provide much-needed support and companionship to hospice patients and their families
• Gain experience working with the chronically ill and dying
• Opportunity for exposure to various health care settings
• Educational opportunities
What services can volunteers perform?
• Volunteers offer companionship that might include playing games, reading, crafts, music, taking walks, or simply providing a comforting presence.
• For caregivers, volunteers can offer support through conversation and listening, encouraging them to share stories or memories.
• Specialty services such as caring touch, legacy journaling, music support (once approved)
• Each patient and family will have different needs, and you will learn how to tailor your activities to each individual’s interests and preferences.
What services volunteers cannot perform?
• Feeding, bathing, dressing, or toileting patients
• Transporting patients
• Administering medications or any other clinical activities
Where could volunteers serve?
• Patient homes
• Senior Living Communities
• Gilchrist Hospice Centers
Besides companionship, what other opportunities might occur while serving?
• Participation in Interdisciplinary Team meetings
• Additional monthly training sessions on topics such as: Communicating with Dementia patients, Boundaries, Doula certification, etc.
• Administrative support
What are the applicant requirements?
• Must be a rising junior or senior undergraduate or above
• Available at least 2-3 hours/week and/or 60 hours for the academic year
• Complete 10 hours of online training.
• Reliable Transportation (preference for students who can drive)
• Attend Quarterly In-Service Trainings
• Provide proof of flu vaccination (December-May) and TB test performed within the last 12 months
• Consent for a background check
Is there anything else I should know?
• Applications are accepted June 1st – July 15th. Training and on-boarding to be completed by September 30th.
• Changes to your schedule are subject to the needs of our patients and at the discretion of the Volunteer Coordinator.
• THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF COLLEGE VOLUNTEER SLOTS AVAILABLE
Gen2Gen: Teen Hospice Volunteer Program
Preparing the Next Generation Through Service, Mentorship & Compassion
What Is Gen2Gen?
Gen2Gen pairs high school students with trained adult mentors and matches them with hospice patients living in senior communities. Through weekly visits, teens provide companionship and emotional support—offering comfort, conversation, and care to those who need it most. This is more than volunteering. It’s a journey of compassion, connection, and personal growth
Program Goals
- Enhance quality of life for hospice patients through meaningful social interaction
- Foster emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience in youth
- Build intergenerational bonds that strengthen community ties
- Inspire future careers in healthcare, counseling, and social services
What Are The Steps to Becoming a Gen2Gen Volunteer?
Complete an application, interview, and submit:
- One academic reference (teacher)
- One character reference (coach, counselor, supervisor, or mentor)
- Signed expectations forms (student & parent/guardian)
- Health requirements (flu vaccine, TB test, government-issued ID)
Train
Complete 10 engaging online modules covering hospice care, communication, and self-care.
Mentor Match
Get paired with an experienced Gilchrist volunteer for guidance and support.
Placement
Begin weekly visits with hospice patients in your neighborhood senior living communities.
Reflect & Grow
Participate in group sessions and check-ins to share experiences and deepen learning.
Who Can Apply?
- High school students ages 16–18
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (B average)
- Commitment of 2 hours/week for at least one year
- Reliable transportation (preference for students who can drive)
- Completion of health and reference requirements
Why Join Gen2Gen?
- Earn meaningful service hours and receive mentorship
- Build skills in empathy, communication, and responsibility
- Strengthen college and scholarship applications
- Explore careers in healthcare, counseling, and social work
- Make a lasting impact on someone’s life
Who is the Program Support at Gilchrist?
- Supervised by trained Gilchrist mentor volunteers
- Managed by the Gilchrist Volunteer Department
- Led by Diane Sancilio, Director of Counseling & Support
- Group learning sessions foster peer connection and reflection
More Questions? Or Want to Refer a Student?
Contact us today to learn more or refer a student:
Emily Carver
Email: ECarver@gilchristcares.org
Phone: 443.933.1077
Diane Sancilio
Email: DSancilio@gilchristcares.org
Phone: 443.904.2897
