Several caring hospice volunteers have been honored for their heartfelt efforts in bringing comfort and compassion to life’s final chapter.
This National Volunteer Month, Kauai Hospice is honoring the golden hearts of its twenty-five hospice care volunteers by proudly recognizing the care, compassion, comfort, presence, companionship, time, and love they offer individuals navigating life’s final chapter.
Hospice volunteers at Kauai Hospice provide a special kind of caring and service. Whether supporting individuals with life-limiting illnesses by providing companionship, emotional support, listening to stories, or just sitting quietly, their time and support takes heart.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of Kauai Hospice,” said Tricia Yamashita, Executive Director. They bring warmth and humanity to our mission, compassionately meeting families and walking alongside them through one of life’s most vulnerable journeys.
“Their presence reminds us that love and dignity are always possible, even in the face of loss,” she explained.
The Volunteers give four hours of their time per week. They are fully prepared and trained via a self-paced online training program that covers the history and philosophy of hospice, grief, bereavement, and cultural sensitivity, providing volunteers with the right tools to work with compassion.
“Each volunteer brings their own heart and spirit to the work,” said Rayne Regush, Volunteer coordinator at Kauai Hospice. “They are trained to listen without judgment, to be present without needing to fix anything. These seemingly simple acts— sitting, listening, holding a hand— can be profoundly healing.”
The hospice volunteer team also assists with the patients’ ohana by providing respite care, allowing caregivers to rest, run errands, attend appointments, or take a break from their caregiving duties. Yamashita encourages everyone on the island to listen to their hearts and consider volunteering at Kauai Hospice.
“Whether you have experienced hospice care in your own life or simply want to give back in a meaningful way, we welcome your compassion, your time, and your heart, said Yamashita. “We invite community members who feel called to this work to join our volunteer team.”
Volunteering is a humanitarian service. Individuals looking to share their love and time are encouraged to apply by visiting Kauaihospice.org. For further information or to request a printed application, email rregush@kauaihospice.org or call 808-245-7277.
