Founded by the Zonta Club of Trenton in 1938, The Visiting Nurse Association of Mercer County is the oldest and largest community-based home healthcare provider in Mercer County. VNA is a non-profit, community-based skilled home care and hospice organization that offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation and palliative care and hospice services to keep patients in their own homes with the support and care they need.

According to Jennifer Leip, VNA public relations manager, VNA’s Hospice Program affirms life. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice recognizes that dying is a natural process, whether or not resulting from a disease.  It is as much a part of life as birth, growth, development and maturity. Hospice exists to provide palliative and supportive care, in a variety of appropriate settings for persons in the final stage of an incurable illness. Hospice believes that through caring, individualized services and a loving community, patients and their families may attain physical, mental and spiritual peace.

The greatest gift Hospice Care gives to a family is the opportunity to help a loved one live fully and with dignity, said Leip.

Leip said that the Family Support Team plays an integral role in VNA’s mission.

The Family Support Team consists of members of the community who volunteer their time to the VNA of Mercer County’s Hospice Program. Because they enjoy a different relationship than the professional staff, Family Support Team members are a valuable resource for hospice patients and their families. They offer loving care, a sympathetic ear and practical help through companionship, respite time for caregivers, childcare, transportation, errands and bereavement support.

Volunteers of the VNA of Mercer County have been here for years and give their time freely no matter how complicated the case(s) are year after year. Volunteers assist with our community support groups, memorial services, and educating the public on the benefits of hospice and other community programs available through the VNA of Mercer County.

Anyone wishing to volunteer must be a graduate of the Family Support Team Training course.  The purpose of this training is to give all participants an understanding of the hospice philosophy, as well as the various components of the program.  The 20-hour training course and personal interview are part of the volunteer selection process.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, write 1 Jersey Street, P.O. Box 441, Trenton, NJ 08603 or call 609-695-3461 or e-mail: [email protected]

Parishes, ministry programs and charitable and outreach organizations in need of volunteers are invited to send details to [email protected].