BECOME A DIRECT CARE VOLUNTEER

Do you enjoy making another person’s day a bit brighter? Can you hold a hand, address an envelope, feed a pet, give a hug, listen to a story, or many other things that touch a heart? If so, DeKalb County Hospice (DCH) Direct Care Volunteers program has a great opportunity for you to change a person’s life, including your own.


Direct Care Volunteers are a part of an interdisciplinary team serving terminally ill individuals and their families. The goal of the team is to help each person enjoy the best quality of life possible. Important characteristics of Direct Care Volunteers include compassion, flexibility, the ability to listen, and the desire to make a difference and enrich the lives of others.

Participants will receive an overview of the history and philosophy of DCH and guidance as they explore issues involved with dying and grieving. Techniques on how to respond to social, emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill persons and their families will also be discussed.

Direct Care Volunteers are required to attend a 21 hour training course, typically held for 3 hours over the course of 7 weeks. The class is open to anyone who would like to know more about DCH or is interested in becoming a Direct Care Volunteer. The cost of the class is $20 and scholarships are available. Call Val Heintz, DCH Volunteer Program Coordinator at 815.756.3000 for more information and the next class schedule.