"If the children and adults we have worked with knew how very much they touch our souls, they would know what an honor and privilege it is to work with them. I know that through my work with them, I have been deeply moved, and my life greatly enriched."

— Marlene, Caring Place Volunteer

Volunteer

The work, commitment, and presence of caring adult volunteers is the heart of the Caring Place. The volunteers make the program what it is.

Grieving children and families at the Caring Place find that they are not alone in their grief. And they find help and support in the midst of their grief. In addition to the other children and families supporting them, helping them, and showing them that they're not alone, grieving families are also in a place where caring and committed adults volunteer their time.

No special experience is needed to volunteer at the Caring Place. What is needed is a willingness to listen and to support the children and adults. After completing a comprehensive 26-hour training program, and submitting criminal and child abuse clearances to the state for background checks, the volunteers work in a number of ways with the families.

In addition to helping facilitate the grief work of the children or adults while in their peer groups, volunteers are also important in greeting the families as they enter the building and in serving the free dinners of pizza or hoagies, fresh vegetables, drinks and cookies. Volunteers also sew together the Caring Place quilts, made up of the squares which the families lovingly and beautifully decorate in memory of their loved ones.

The quilters also spend time obtaining fabric to tie the quilts together. The quilters hold loving memories and cherished stories in their hands for a short time and then return them to the families — accepted, cared for, and made even more beautiful by that care.