St. Mary's Hospital has always relied on the generosity of volunteers. More than 700 volunteers work in the gift shop and various hospital departments, drive shuttle buses, serve coffee, and help visitors find their way. Volunteers provide the friendly face and personal touch patients and their families need during a stressful time.
With volunteers working in 50 different departments and programs at St. Mary's, it's impossible to put a price tag on everything they do. But if we had to hire employees to replace them, it would cost more than $1.5 million a year.
In addition to providing assistance inside the hospital, St. Mary's Hospital volunteers reach out to members of our community through a variety of events and programs. They may assist with blood pressure clinics, provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to children with special needs, or work with one of the community programs St. Mary's sponsors.
Anyone over the age of 14 is welcome to join our volunteer family. Students considering a career in healthcare are encouraged to volunteer and learn in the hospital environment.
Volunteer opportunities for seniors
If you are 55 or older and would like to volunteer in our community, these programs sponsored by St. Mary's may be just what you're looking for. No special experience or background is necessary. You'll receive pre-service and ongoing training, and program coordinators are available to help and answer your questions.
Foster Grandparent Program
Foster Grandparents is a successful nationwide volunteer program that helps seniors use their experience to improve the lives of children in need. St. Mary's is proud to sponsor and coordinate the Foster Grandparents program in western Colorado serving Grand Junction, Clifton, Fruita, Palisade, Delta, and Olathe.
- Help at-risk preschoolers gain important skills for entering kindergarten
- Work with children with learning disabilities to achieve success
- Teach incarcerated youth essential skills for school and life
- Provide bilingual classroom assistance to children from Spanish-speaking families
- Care for babies so their young moms can complete their high school education
- Provide assistance to physically and mentally challenged children
Gray Gourmet
This nutritional meal service provides healthy lunches for seniors at nine locations in Mesa County. Meals are also delivered to homebound seniors. You don't have to be a senior to help at meal sites or deliver home meals, but most of our volunteers are. It's a great way to give to your community and make friends.
Gray Gourmet menu, June 2008
Gray Gourmet menu, July 2008
Senior Companion Program
Senior Companion programs across the country help older adults remain healthy, independent, and in their own homes. Seniors in Mesa County, Colorado work with St. Mary's Hospital & Regional Medical Center to help those who need a little assistance with every day tasks. Without the help of Senior Companions, many older adults would be forced to leave their homes for assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
- Help other seniors with daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bill paying, and simple household tasks.
- Become part of the senior's caregiver team by making sure they take their medicine and by alerting doctors or family members to potential health problems.
- Encourage other seniors to remain active.
- Offer seniors contact with the world outside their homes and make their lives less lonely.
- Provide support and relief to family caregivers.
- Stay active themselves by helping their neighbors.