You will need to attend New Volunteer Orientation, complete the required paperwork, and turn in some medical information. Once this is complete we will schedule an interview, and then run a background check before assigning you to your service area.

Yes, we will provide the required paperwork at time of RSVP.

Yes, new volunteers are expected to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours.

We ask for a minimum of one time per week for a 3-4 hour shift, the same day and same time each week. You are welcome to volunteer more than one shift if you have available time. Summer only new volunteers have to commit to at least two 3 hour shifts per week for the summer.

Unfortunately it is expensive to clear and train someone to volunteer in a hospital or health care setting. All volunteers must commit to a minimum of 50 hours of service unless they wish to knit or crochet prayer shawls, which can be done at home on your own schedule. You are welcome to inquire about this.

Once you have completed New volunteer Orientation and are cleared to begin we will schedule you to a regular fixed schedule based on your available day/time and what is open on the schedule.

Yes, we do have limited availability on the weekends or evenings. We want you to know in advance that there are far less available options than if you have as little as three hours of free time during regular business hours Monday- Friday.

We have many service areas available, so there are a wide variety of options. We ask that you list your top three choices on your application; you will be assigned to a service area once you are processed and cleared. Due to the high popularity of some service areas, and the limited amount of volunteer shifts available, you may need to volunteer in your second or third choice service area. College students in particular sometimes change service areas after one semester, so spots do occasionally open in various service areas.

We will happily write you a letter of recommendation after you complete the minimum 50 hours of volunteer time provided you have been a reliable, courteous, and friendly volunteer. We are not able to write letters of recommendation until you have at least completed 50 hours of service.

If you are 18 or older you are welcome to attend New volunteer Orientation to get started with the process. If you are between the ages of 15-17, you must first complete Mini Medical University for Teens (offered in the summer) and then interview for an opportunity to volunteer at Beacon Health. We are happy to sign off on volunteer service hours you have completed at Beacon Health.

You are not alone. We receive many requests to rock babies, which is a wonderful and needed service. There is a waiting list for this service (River City Rockers) though, so you are welcome to go through orientation and either have your name put on the waiting list and wait for an opening, or you can volunteer in another service area until there is an opening.

All the dogs who volunteer at Beacon Health must first be certified as therapy dogs by Therapy Dogs International, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, or Pet Partners, and submit current vaccination and vet well visit records each year. Additionally, their owner/handler must undergo new volunteer orientation before they are cleared and added as a therapy dog team.

No, we are not able to accommodate this type request.