Granite VNA seeks community volunteers for variety of roles; training begins Jan. 9

CONCORD — Granite VNA volunteers support the needs of patients, their families, and the community. From providing patient companionship and caregiver respite to supporting community health and bereavement programs, volunteers play a critical role in helping Granite VNA fulfill its not-for-profit, community-based mission.

“The most rewarding part of my role is meeting trusting people who join others who are in pain on their journey towards healing,” said Volunteer Bereavement Facilitator Donna Raycraft. “The work they do in supporting one another is uplifting to the facilitator who is privileged to see it.”

The agency currently has a critical need for volunteers to visit patients on hospice in their homes, veteran volunteers to support fellow veterans on hospice, and certified pet therapy teams.

“As a nonprofit agency, the work volunteers do to support our services and programs is invaluable — we would not be able to serve the community without them,” said Granite VNA Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Challender. “Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community by helping neighbors. We invite members of our community to join us at the next training session.”

The next volunteer training program begins Friday, Jan. 9, and runs through Friday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Granite VNA Hospice House, 240 Pleasant St. Individuals applying to become Granite VNA volunteers will be required to:

• Complete volunteer training appropriate for their role

• Pass background checks with the State of New Hampshire Department of Safety as well as the State of New Hampshire Bureau of Adult and Aging Services

• Undergo a tuberculosis test (provided by Granite VNA)

• Attend required annual training and meetings

Community members who are interested in volunteering may contact Lisa Challender at 603-224-4093 ext. 82826 or 

lisa.challender@granitevna.org.