"I give a little extra time to help someone when they need it, thankful to know that I am just one of many who make Sitka a caring, supportive community. Someday I may be the one who needs the hand reaching out."
- Diane Marx, volunteer Since 2003
In a year, our volunteers provide nearly $100,000 worth of free care and services for caregivers and individuals facing illness, isolation, end of life, or grief. The dedication to service that our volunteers provide helps to make Sitka a healthy, neighborly and compassionate community.
Volunteering with Brave Heart Volunteers is a rich and meaningful experience that
creates a mutually beneficial experience for both volunteers and recipients.
Whether you are a past or present volunteer, or considering volunteering at Brave Heart, you are welcome to join Program Manager Kathryn Winslow every Thursday at 10:45 am AKST on Zoom. Feel free to pop on to say hello, stay connected, share stories, ask questions, or brainstorm.
Many of our volunteers provide respite visiting for caregivers and visits to care receivers. Visits usually are done weekly or biweekly for 1-2 hours. During those visits, volunteers will take their elder on a walk, read them a book, share stories, help them prepare a meal, write letters, help with light house work, run errands for or with them, help them craft and just assist them in their day to day lives. The smallest activity can improve their quality of life.
Friends in Grief
The Friends in Grief program offers individuals one-on-one support and companionship from someone who has a shared experience of loss. Individuals facing grief are matched with a volunteer who has experienced a similar loss and who has completed our volunteer training with prior participation in grief and beareavement groups.
Events & Administrative
Events provide a great opportunity to get involved for volunteers who cannot commit to regular companionship visiting, or who simply want to become more involved with BHV. Every year we look for help in a wide range of areas for our many events and fundraisers, including but not limited to: baking help, office tasks, mailings, selling tickets, greeting participants, cooking, clean up and set up, etc.