Volunteering
At CHCC, volunteers aged 16 and older—from students to seniors—make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. By sharing your time and positive energy, you’ll help brighten someone’s day and create moments of joy.
When you volunteer, the connections you make and the smiles you bring will have a lasting impact. Your kindness will not only enrich the lives of others, but it will also bring fulfillment to you.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Click the accordions below to learn about volunteer opportunities at CHCC.
What to expect before your first volunteer assignment
CHCC takes care to help each volunteer feel comfortable before interacting with residents.
When someone expresses interest in volunteering at Christian Health Care Center, the process begins with a brief orientation led by CHCC’s volunteer coordinator. This meeting takes place at CHCC and typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
During this orientation, volunteers:
- complete the necessary forms, including background check authorization, and receive a volunteer handbook
- take a guided tour of the facility
- learn about important guidelines, including confidentiality requirements and HIPAA privacy laws
- discuss their interests, skills and comfort level so volunteer opportunities can be matched accordingly
Once the background check is submitted and approved, the volunteer coordinator will reach out to share upcoming activity calendars and invite volunteers to sign up for opportunities that interest them.
Some roles, such as participating in the Sacred Transitions program, require additional preparation and guidance. Sacred Transitions pairs select volunteers with residents who are actively dying so they are not alone during their final hours, unless that is their preference. In these situations, a CHCC staff member will orient the volunteer and remain with them until they feel confident.
Throughout the year, the volunteer coordinator stays in touch by phone and email, and volunteers are always encouraged to reach out with questions or feedback.
General volunteer opportunities at CHCC
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities at Christian Health Care Center. Please contact our therapeutic recreation department if you would like to help in these areas or suggest something new.
Entertainment
- Piano player for hymn sings and religious services
- Guest speakers
- Individual or group vocalists
- Share a slide show
- History narrator: ride along with our staff and residents, share local history, fun facts and your mememories of Whatcom County during an hourlong scenic drive (typically at 3 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month)
General
- Friendly visitor for one-on-one visits with residents
- Inter-generational activities
- Pet visits
- Amateur radio operator who will be part of a team that routinely tests equipment and helps with communications during a crisis
Crafts and games
- Assist recreation staff with bingo, bowling or craft activities, typically on weekday afternoons
- Read to a resident
- Play a board game (cards, cribbage, checkers, chess)
- Work on a puzzle with residents
- Help water and care for indoor gardens
Spiritual
- Devotions leader
- Worship service leader
Sacred Transitions: creating a peaceful environment during a resident’s final hours
The goal of the Sacred Transitions program is to provide a peaceful, supportive environment for residents during the end-of-life stage. Sacred Transitions volunteers help ensure that a resident’s final hours are filled with comfort, compassion and companionship.
Volunteers in this program receive specialized training and are contacted as needs arise. The Sacred Transitions program is a special opportunity to be part of a deeply meaningful service.
If you would like to volunteer, call 360-354-4434 and ask to speak with our volunteer coordinator. You will also need to fill out and turn in the three documents linked at the bottom of this webpage.
What sounds good to you? Do you play the piano? Do you have a craft or travel experience you’d like to share? Would you like to adopt a grandparent and visit them each week? The options are endless; we’ll customize a volunteer plan that fits your needs and the needs of our wonderful residents.
How to start volunteering at CHCC
When you are ready to begin, simply call 360-354-4434 to speak with our volunteer coordinator Kari Gardner. She can answer questions and walk you throught the volunteer application process.