Volunteer

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Volunteer Opportunities Patient and Family Support Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Care Grief Group Co-Facilitator Creative Projects Respecting Valor Office and Telephone Support Unity Resale Shoppe Special Events

Discover Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer at Unity, expect nothing less than the satisfying feeling you get when you make a real difference in someone’s life. You’ll also find purpose and meaning. We were founded by volunteers more than 46 years ago and volunteer services continue to be at the heart of our patient-centered mission. We’re grateful for our wonderful, selfless volunteers but we can always use more like them. Explore our wide variety of weekday, evening, and weekend volunteer opportunities across our 13 counties in Northeast Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteers are vital members of Unity’s team serving as ambassadors of our organization. Whether it’s providing support and companionship to a patient and family, assisting with projects or helping with community outreach, the contributions of volunteers are essential to our mission.  

Volunteering for Unity might be a great fit if you like to:

  • Feel good about giving to an organization that is important to you
  • Work with Unity staff, patients and families or other volunteers
  • Use your current skills or learn new ones
  • Be part of the amazing, compassionate care Unity provides

Companion visiting with patients in private homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals. 

To ensure the absolute comfort and confidence of all volunteers, Unity provides classroom-style orientations followed by on-the-job training at various times during the year.

We kindly ask our volunteers to committ to a minimum of 12 hours of service per year. This amounts to only one hour per month.

Volunteer opportunities exist throughout Northeast Wisconsin at our offices, Resale Shoppe, Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence and wherever our patients call home – private homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Volunteers determine in what locations they are willing to go. 

We have volunteer opportunities for individuals of all ages. Minimum age for patient visit volunteers without supervision is 18. With supervision, it depends on the chosen volunteer opportunity. Experience working or volunteering in healthcare is not required. For the protection of our patients and organization, all volunteer candidates must pass a background check.

We encourage diversity.

Veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with Veteran patients. Their common language and experiences often lead to a strong relational bond. Unity’s Veteran-to-Veteran Program partners Veteran volunteers with Unity patients who have served in the military. The camaraderie created between Veterans has proven to be supportive for all involved, bringing great peace and closure to many. We are always looking for veteran volunteers to connect with our patients and families. Contact us now to volunteer.

It’s scientifically proven that pet therapy can:

  • provide a fun and simple distraction from illness
  • stimulate memories and communication
  • lower blood pressure
  • improve cardiovascular health
  • release endorphins that have a calming effect
  • diminish overall physical pain
  • produce an automatic relaxation response during the act of petting, reducing the amount of medication some patients need
  • lift spirits and reduce depression
  • lower anxiety
  • reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness

Patients and families love the companionship they receive from Unity’s four-legged friends and handlers so the demand for Paws of Comfort visits continues to grow. To join our “pack”, simply complete our online application form or call 920-338-1111 and ask to speak with Volunteer Services.

A few things to keep in mind:

Dogs must be…

  • certified as a AKC Canine Good Citizen
  • registered as a pet therapy dog
  • be at least one year old and have lived in handler’s home for at least six months to create a bond with handler
  • reliably house trained
  • responsive to their owner’s direction and support
  • currently vaccinated against rabies
  • friendly, with no history of aggression or causing injury to other people or pets
  • healthy (not experiencing an acute or chronic health condition)
  • consistently calm and greet people with all four paws touching the ground

Handlers must be able to…

  • Read your dog's body language, recognizing approaching and avoidant behaviors
  • Interact with your dog positively, supporting them as needed
  • Anticipate your pet's response in different situations and set them up for success at all times
  • Cue or redirect your dog gently and effectively, without force, or coercion
  • Interact with those you visit, while simultaneously tending to your pet
  • Guide interactions during each visit in a patient, polite, and professional manner
  • Advocate for the safety and well-being of your dog at all times

Meet our existing “pack”: 

Volunteer Testimonials

Join Our Volunteer Team

Still Have Questions?

Make a Financial Gift

Volunteer Now

To ensure the absolute comfort and confidence of all volunteers, Unity provides classroom-style orientations followed by on-the-job training at various times during the year. We are always accepting applications for new volunteers.