Ready to Comfort The Sick?
Community Connection Volunteer
DURATION
WHERE
Around town, in the local Boston community
WHEN
All year long
WHOSE HELP IS REQUIRED
Your family
HOW IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Imagine having to travel all of a sudden to a city you did not know in order to access medical treatment you or a family member really needed. It would probably be a scary time, and a time at which a friendly, local face might really make a difference. Well, you can be that source of comfort and support for a family visiting Boston in just that kind of situation. Simply by sharing your time and your knowledge of the local area, you can make a difficult time easier for another family.
DESCRIPTION
Does your family love to help people? Do you live in Boston? If so, you may want to consider becoming a community connection volunteer family! These special people are paired with out-of-town guest families visiting Boston for medical treatment. By offering a friendly ear and local advice, you can make a big difference for a family visiting the Boston area during a difficult time.
ITEMS NEEDED
Transportation to be able to meet with the guest family with which you are matched
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
This is structured as a family activity. Parental involvement is required.
NEXT STEPS
Decide if you have 4-6 hours per month you can share with a family visiting the local area for medical treatment. For more information about the program or to sign up, contact Denise Duclos at dduclos@hosp.org or (888) 595-4678 ext. 1.
WEBSITE
1. Decide if you have 4-6 hours per month you can share with a family visiting the local area for medical treatment. (Families are typically in one of three Hospitality Homes apartment locations around Boston for about a month at a time.)
2. If you are willing to dedicate this time as a family, contact Denise Duclos, Director of Engagement and Outreach, at dduclos@hosp.org or (888) 595-4678 ext. 1 to discuss timing, location and matching options.
3. Once a visiting family has been identified, contact them about setting up a time to meet.
4. Check in with your family regularly to see how you can help. This could be as simple as a phone call, a walk in the park, a warm meal delivered to their temporary apartment, a quick email, a ride to the hospital or whatever else may be helpful to the visiting family (and possible for you).
5. Continue these small acts of kindness and support throughout the duration of their stay and know you have made a time of uncertainty and stress much easier for a family. You may just make a lifelong friend too!