As we come to the conclusion of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, it’s an honor to recognize the people who give their time, compassion, and presence to support patients and families.

Our volunteers come from many walks of life—but they all share one thing in common: a willingness to show up when it matters most.

While High Peaks Hospice has over 25 volunteers, today we learn more about two, Carolyn Clynes and Nina Matteau.

Why We Volunteer

“I became a hospice volunteer because I was able to witness firsthand how much they helped my grandparents out. I have also been able to see the wonderful things hospice volunteers have done with the patients I work with in assisted living facilities.”

— Carolyn Clynes, High Peaks Hospice Volunteer

“While I was still teaching full-time, a friend was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. A group of us stepped in to give their spouse some relief. I was nervous at first—I didn’t know what it would be like to be with someone who was dying. But afterward, I realized our presence helped. I learned that a dying person is nothing to fear, and I knew I could do this to help others.”

— Nina Matteau, High Peaks Hospice Volunteer

What Volunteering Looks Like

“I recently began volunteering with High Peaks Hospice again after moving back to the area and my primary role is providing caregiver relief.”

— Carolyn

“My role has covered a wide range of activities. I sit with patients so caregivers can take a break, help at community events, and support the hospice office in different ways.”

— Nina

Moments That Stay With Us

“I spend time sitting and chatting with a patient so her family can rest, run errands, or simply take a break. Recently, her daughter shared this message with me: ‘I firmly believe kindness creates a ripple effect—someone just has to start it. During this tough time, you have been one of the kindest ripples in our life.’ This—this is why I volunteer.”

— Carolyn

“I had one patient for about a year, which is unusual, and I grew very fond of her. Toward the end, she was not conscious, but I was with her, holding her hand, and singing softly to her. I am not a singer but I sang as many religious type songs as I could recall. Finally, when I had run out of religious songs that I knew, I said to her, “I’m sorry, but I have run out of churchy songs and all I know are little kid songs to sing now.” She smiled at me and though she appeared not conscious, I knew she had heard me. I started to sing things like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

I had another wonderful patient who was an artist. Each time that I came for a visit, she had a different art media for me to work in with her – clay, colored pencils, etc. Just like the fact that I am not a singer, I am also not an artist. This patient was such a learning experience for me. She was an art instructor to the very end.”

— Nina

Why We Keep Coming Back

“I come back because of the wonderful people that I have met. Many are elderly and they like to show me pictures of themselves when they were young – (See I wasn’t always like this). People often ask me how I can be a Hospice volunteer and be with dying people. They don’t realize that these people are just people at a stage in their lives that we all will reach at some point.”

— Nina

More Than Volunteering—A Presence That Matters

Hospice volunteers offer something simple, yet powerful: presence. Whether it’s sitting quietly, sharing a conversation, or giving a caregiver time to rest, volunteers help ensure that no one feels alone.

Thank you to our team of volunteers, who each add so much to our services – unwavering compassion and your own unique presence.

Thank you to Martha Crawford, our Volunteer Coordinator, for management of our volunteer program and services.

High Peaks Hospice provides end of life care that listens with respect, cares with compassion, supports with choice, and comforts with understanding – wherever you call home.