Bridge Hospice Volunteers Give More Than Time - They Give Compassion
Bridge Hospice Volunteers Give More Than Time - They Give Compassion
At Bridge Hospice, we believe in the powerful role that compassionate volunteers play in our care. Volunteers bring unique gifts, deep empathy, and a sense of purpose to our guests and their families. Their presence and kindness create comforting moments that leave a lasting impact. We asked one of our volunteers, Juan Garcia, to share his journey. His story illuminates the heart and soul of what it means to serve those at the end of life.
Juan’s path to volunteering came from a place many of us can relate to: a desire to make a difference in a challenging world. Recently, Juan faced a “mid-life crisis,” as he puts it, that led him to reconsider his life’s direction. Instead of making a typical choice to escape or distract himself, Juan felt a call to deepen his faith and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. In his words, “Everywhere I turn, people are angry, hostile, and often just plain mean to each other. It’s as if we forgot a fundamental Christian principle: kindness.” Over time, Juan’s faith encouraged him to focus on ways to be a blessing to others daily. With experience as a medical professional, he knew he had the skills to offer comfort, compassion, and care. He realized he could make a difference by being there for people in their most vulnerable moments, not just as a job, but as a gift of his time and empathy.
Juan reflects, “One of my blessings is time. I frequently heard patients or family members say, ‘I wish I had more time,’ and I thought, if time is what they need most, why not share it?”
As a Spanish-speaking volunteer, Juan fills a unique role at Bridge Hospice. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, he understood the importance of language and cultural sensitivity. His experience translating medical information for Spanish-speaking patients and families has brought peace to many in understanding their loved one’s journey.
One of Juan’s most memorable experiences was with his own grandmother, who passed away on hospice at home, surrounded by her loved ones. This deeply personal connection strengthened his commitment to volunteering at Bridge Hospice. “To me, it was a ‘no-brainer,’” he shares. “I wanted to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being kind to the most vulnerable, giving back where I could, and helping families find peace as life comes to an end.” In his journey, Juan finds that being a hospice volunteer isn’t about grand gestures but about presence. The gift he brings is simply being there, listening, and sharing small, meaningful moments. As he says, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. It is truly my privilege.”
Volunteering at Bridge Hospice isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a calling. Our volunteers offer the healing power of presence and compassion to those who need it most. Juan’s story is just one of many, each adding to the incredible fabric of love and dedication woven through our hospice care.
Would you like to join our volunteer team and make a difference in your community? To learn more, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can bring hope, comfort, and peace to those nearing the end of their journey.
