| Thank you for your interest in joining our family of volunteers
at Teresa House. We are a two bed Comfort Care Home for people
who are in the last stages of life due to a terminal disease. We
become an extended family bringing physical, emotional and spiritual
care to our residents and their families as they journey toward
the end of this life. |
 All
volunteer care givers are asked to perform a wide spectrum of duties
which include: physical and emotional care of the residents and
their families; reading or watching TV with the residents; preparing
small meals; giving medications; and answering phones. Some volunteers
bring their gifts of fund raising and clerical skills. We work
together as a team and the house runs quite smoothly. Each person
brings their own special qualities and gifts to give the best of
everything to all those who visit Teresa House whether it is the
residents, their families, or the other volunteers. |
| One of our main goals is to provide continuity of care. It takes
70 volunteers a week to keep the house running. Ideally we would
like each volunteer to donate four hours a week, however any time
would be greatly appreciated. We always have a special need on
weekends and evenings. All new volunteers will be partnered with
a seasoned volunteer. There is always a nurse on call for any questions
or concerns that you may have. |
| Please fill out the Volunteer
Application and return it to Teresa
House in person or by mail. We will then set up a time for orientation
class, which includes a tour of the house and talk about how we
can best fit into your schedule. Because of the nature of the care
we provide, a police background check will also be arranged for
you. This is required by the Teresa House Insurance carrier. |
| It is a blessing to care for people during this time in their
lives. They have so much to teach us about living life to the fullest.
You will be much richer for the experience. |
| Thank you so much for your willingness to share yourself with
all of us. |
|
 “The Teresa House has been an incredible experience that
has made my college years at Geneseo very memorable. I have met
so many amazing people (residents, family members and volunteers)
who have taught me many important life lessons that I would not
be able to learn in the classroom. I am so thankful for the friendships
I have made at the Teresa House and will always remember the warm
and caring environment. This experience has been very rewarding
and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to be part of
such a wonderful organization.” |
| “Volunteering at Teresa House for the past couple years
has really helped me grow as a person. I started because a friend
of mine who had been volunteering knew that I was missing some
of the community service activities I used to do at home, so he
suggested I give it a try. I have to admit, after orientation I
began to doubt myself. I was afraid I wasn’t emotionally
strong enough, or that I’d never be good at talking to the
residents or, since I’m not a med student, taking care of
their needs. But I decided to at least try, and even though it
was hard for me at first, I realized I was in a good mood every
time I left. I’ve met so many good-hearted people, and it
was worth a million dollars every time I realized I’d put
a smile on a resident’s face (not to mention they made me
smile a lot too). I found that every time I went to Teresa House,
suddenly papers and grades and meetings weren’t so important
anymore, because I was in an environment where everyone is selfless
and takes care of each other. My only regret is that I didn’t
make more time for it. Despite what some might think, anyone can
make a good volunteer if what they want is to serve people other
than themselves to make their lives a little brighter.” |
| “I wish I had made more time to volunteer at the Teresa
House. The experience greatly affected who I am and the dreams
that I attain. I will never forget the welcoming atmosphere of
the home that so many hold close in their heart or the loving residents
that cried of joy to have so much warmth and tender care, and I
will of course never be able to forget the volunteers that graciously
devoted their time and love. This was a family.” |
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