Volunteer – Teresa House

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.

Our Student Volunteers share some thoughts about their experiences at Teresa House

“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.”