UNM Mariposa Volunteers assist with patient care, bereavement support, and office operation.  A six week volunteer training session is provided, and periodic ongoing education is offered at meetings.

“But why volunteer?  Don’t you value your time?  One volunteer, Pam Fraser-Walters, answered, “I do value my time but I also value recognizing and honoring the value of each life.  That is what draws me to hospice.  Working as a volunteer allows me to support not only the dying child, but also the family and friends who must deal with loss and change.  Over the years, I’ve been honored to be part of many circles of love as caregivers demonstrate that part of humanity that links us to the Divine.  Surprisingly, to many, Hospice often brings joy perhaps because people really attend to, and appreciate one another.  Working with Hospice renews my faith in goodness, courage, love and humanity.”

Volunteers provide companionship to our patients and their families in their homes, as well as respite time for families/caregivers.  They are also available to assist with errands, read to patients or their siblings, or just quietly listen and be present to the patient, parents and siblings.

Volunteers support newly bereaved families through phone contact when needed as well as help prepare specialty baskets at Christmas time and other times during the year as considered appropriate.  They are very much involved in the preparation for, and the day of, the Memorial Service as greeters, and program participants.

Volunteers assist with the day-to-day operations of the hospice office. Office or computer skills are well utilized and directly contribute to the care of the patients, their families, the surrounding community and State of New Mexico.

Volunteers participate in a six-week training program.  The training class is designed to prepare the volunteer to work as part of the hospice team with the patients and their families throughout the stages of the illness as well as with the bereaved.

The demands of volunteering with the dying children and their families make ongoing education essential.  Consequently, educational programs are offered periodically at the monthly meetings.

The demands of volunteering with dying children and their families make ongoing education essential.  Consequently, educational programs are offered periodically at the monthly meetings.

Contact the Mariposa Team at (505) 272-6700.