I am happy to announce that we have eight 11th Hour Agape volunteers who have attended Agape Volunteer U and are ready and willing to be of service. These individuals have an unusual role, requiring the gifts of presence, patience and intuitive support.

The 11th hour volunteer stays with patients in the last days or hours of their lives. This person may provide respite for family and friends who have been holding vigil at the bedside, so they can rest. Other times, the 11th hour volunteer supports patients who would otherwise be alone, providing consistent, compassionate support at the bedside according to the signs and symptoms of death.

Volunteers in this role have additional training in the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care and experience being with individuals at time of death. Many are trained in Healing Touch and/or Reiki (two are certified Death Doulas).

We welcome this group and are grateful for their willingness to serve at this sacred time in a person’s end-of-life journey.
– Michelle Hiatt