Mission

To guide life's final journey with expertise and empathy.

Vision

To reimagine the way our community views and experiences serious illness, dying, and grief.

Values

Our values express our calling to deliver heartfelt care with integrity, guiding our every action as we help our community navigate life s final journey. By holding ourselves to these standards, we ensure that our team operates with the same commitment and care in every interaction.

CALLED

Courage - Bravely facing challenging circumstances.

Acceptance - Embracing the realities of death with dignity and understanding.

Love - Caring for others as we would our own loved ones.

Leadership -  Empowering others to reach their greatest potential.

Excellence -  Providing outstanding care and meaningful connections.

Dependability- Reliably present in every moment.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who do I contact if I need more information?

    Please call us in the Volunteer Department at 434-817-6911 or email Volunteer@HOPVA.org
  • How do I get assignments?

    As an active volunteer you will be able to see volunteer assignments as they come in for the roles you are eligible for (companion, pet therapy, musician, etc.). From your VSys profile, you will be able to find opportunities and submit your interest for the assignment.

  • Is there a dress code?

    The dress code is casual professional. Remember your name badge and wear close-toed shoes.
  • When should I report hours and visit notes?

    Please report hours in the "Report Hours" section of Vsys after every patient visit or assignment within 24-48 hours. If a visit is scheduled, then cancelled, report that attempted visit - (attempted visits count). Also, if there are phone calls between visits or multiple attempts to schedule a visit, please report those hours.
  • What information do I include- or not include in a visit note?

    Less is more on a visit note. Include a sentence or two of objective information about the visit. Please do not include subjective opinions or medical information. If there are medical or psychosocial observations to report, contact the patient's RN or Social worker. If you're not able to reach them, let the Volunteer office so that we can get word to the clinical team.
  • Who to call when?

    • Patient Medical Emergency or patient Death: 434-817-6900 (Do not call 911)
    • HOP Main Line available 24/7: 434-817-6900
    • Main point of contact:
      • Mandy Foster, Volunteer Manager  mandy.foster@HOPVA.org (434) 817-6925
      • Susan Holliday, Volunteer Coordinator  susan.holliday@HOPVA.org (434) 817-6928
      • Kyle Hayes, Volunteer Coordinator (Northern Region)  kyle.hayes@HOPVA.org  (434) 422-6286
  • What ongoing requirements are there to remain active as a volunteer?

    1. Annual Continuing Education: 12hr for volunteers who spend time with patients and 8hr for administrative volunteers. HOP volunteer department provides monthly CEU opportunities.
    2. All documents and certifications must be kept current and up to date.  
    3. Volunteers are expected to take at least one assignment/year.
    4. An annual supervision by the Volunteer Manager, Volunteer Coordinator or a clinical team member.
  • How many CEU's do I need?

    Patient Facing* volunteers need 12 CEU's annually (January-December). Non-patient facing volunteers need 8 CEU's annually. These CEUs are provided by HOP monthly and are also housed/available on your Vsys homepage.

     

    *Patient facing is any time you interact with a patient or family member. (ie. Companion, respite, notary, musician, pet therapy, touch therapies, veteran support, etc.)

  • What if I forgot my password?

    You can reset your password using the "Forgot your password?" link from the login block, or you can contact the Volunteer Department for assistance with resetting your password.
  • What roles require additional training from HOP and how do I get that training?

    • Art by the Bedside, 11th hour Vigil, Gentle Hand Massage, Kids Grief and Healing, Bereavement support, Death Doula, Food Handling (Hospice House)
    • Let us know if you're interested. Some, like Art by the Bedside, 11th Hr Vigil, Gentle Hand Massage, and Food Handling can be scheduled individually when you're interested. Death Doula requires 30hr of patient facing volunteer hours before signing up for a 50hr training with Beth Eck, Director- End-of-Life Doula Services. Training for Kids Grief and Healing and Bereavement support is provided by the Bereavement Department.
  • What roles require a certification?

    Pet Therapy, Massage Therapy, Reiki, Notary, Cosmetology.