"I was assigned to someone who needed exactly what I could offer. I immediately felt a joy and personal growth that came from the act of doing for another human being. I have learned
it is in giving of ourselves that we receive."
- BHV Volunteer
Our volunteers provide hundreds of hours worth of social, emotional, and educational support for caregivers and individuals facing loneliness, grief, and end of life. Their dedication to service helps to make Sitka a more compassionate community.
Volunteering with Brave Heart Volunteers is a rich and meaningful experience that
creates a mutually beneficial encounter for volunteers and their care receivers.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visiting & Companionship
Many of our volunteers provide companionship to care receivers. Visits are weekly for 1-2 hours and volunteers are available to provide social and emotional support, such as sharing stories, playing cards, crafting, or other enjoyable activities. The smallest interaction can truly improve a care receiver's quality of life.
End of Life Bedside Presence
Our volunteers sit at the bedsides of those who are nearing the end of life and provide much needed respite for caregivers. Volunteers do not offer medical assistance, but instead act as a compassionate presence, as one who can hold a hand, read, give words of comfort, or simply keep vigil so their caregivers can get some rest.
Friends in Grief
The Friends in Grief program offers individuals one-on-one support and companionship from someone who has also endured a loss. Individuals facing grief are matched with a volunteer who has experienced a similar loss and has completed our training, along with prior participation in grief and bereavement groups.
Events, Administrative, & Expertise
Events provide a great opportunity for volunteers who cannot commit to regular visits, but want to become more involved with BHV. Every year we enlist help for our many events and fundraisers, including selling tickets, serving as greeters, baking, cooking, clean up, and set up. You can also help with office tasks, share your expertise at volunteer trainings, play music for care receivers, or create art for our various fundraisers!