Volun-teen Program for Teens Ages 14 - 18

Important Update (as of February 2, 2023) – Our Volun-teen program is currently on pause. Please visit us in the future when the program resumes. 

Gilchrist has volunteer opportunities for teens ages 14 to 18 through its Volun-teen program. The program is as helpful to our patients and families as it is to our young volunteers.

What Will a Gilchrist Volun-teen Do?

You will visit patients in skilled nursing or long-term care facilities to:

  • Provide company to patients who may not receive regular visits from family
  • Play cards or board games or work on puzzles
  • Listen to music and engage with the patient in a way that is meaningful to them
  • Write letters if a patient has trouble writing
  • Help with life review, which is often a treasured gift to families
  • Create art projects or crafts that can become a wonderful keepsake for families

How Can the Volun-teen Program Help You?

Volunteering will help you gain:

  • Community service hours
  • The satisfaction of helping someone who may be lonely
  • The opportunity to meet other teens with common interests of helping others
  • Training and mentorship that will prepare you to interact with patients and families
  • Valuable experience with a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in end-of-life care that will benefit you in your future career
  • An opportunity to discover if a career in healthcare and serving others is the right path for you

How Do You Become a Volunteer?

The requirements for becoming a Volun-teen volunteer are:

  • Two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher and the other from a guidance counselor)
  • Signed parental consent form
  • 16 hours of in-person training, plus regular get-togethers with other Volun-teens
  • A willingness to make a 6-month commitment to volunteer at least 6 hours per month

Contact Us

For more information about our Volun-teen program, contact Jane O’Hara, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, at 443.849.8376 or johara@gilchristcares.org. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities at Gilchrist, visit our Volunteer page.

Become a Volunteer

For more information, contact Jane O’Hara, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, at 443.849.8376 or johara@gilchristcares.org.