Volunteer Spotlight: Spring 2019

Alive Grows Massage Therapy Team

When Murfreesboro massage therapist Shawna Conner approached Alive with the idea to host a special training to recruit and train more volunteer massage therapists, we jumped at the opportunity. Alive’s robust volunteer corps brings many additional benefits to our patients and their families, and we strive to provide meaningful education and growth opportunities for our volunteers.

“Hospice patients and their families are so unique compared to the clients I am used to. This training was necessary and amazing!”
–Allison, Training Participant

Alive partnered with Healwell, an organization that trains massage therapists to work with special patient segments in medical settings, to provide a weekend-long training. CEU’s were provided to massage therapists, but non-therapists who work closely with patients were able to participate as well. The workshop was a hit with participants who felt much more confident about how to work with fragile hospice patients, and we now have eight volunteer therapists on our team.

To volunteer as a massage therapist with Alive, you must be licensed in Tennessee, pass a background check, and participate in our volunteer training.

For more information contact Renee Wisby, director of volunteer services,
615-346-8390 | rwisby@alivehospice.org.

Peace of Mind for Pets and Their People

Before and after photos of a dog getting a haircutIf you love animals, the Pet Peace of Mind program is another great way to volunteer with us. When hospice patients become too ill to take beloved pets for veterinary and grooming appointments, Pet Peace of Mind volunteers step in to make sure they are cared for, cleaned, and contented. Vetted volunteers come to patient homes to deliver food, walk dogs, and help with grooming. They may also foster pets when the need arises. The service is entirely free.

Boone was one pup who recently got a makeover when his person was in hospice care. Here are his before and after glamour shots.

Contact Alive volunteer services to volunteer or request services: 615-327-1085.