Jason Roa [Courtesy photo]

Avow began in 1983 not as an institution but as a mission: no one in Southwest Florida should face the end of life alone. Volunteers and community members turned that belief into Hospice of Naples, and for more than four decades, volunteers have remained at the heart of our mission.

Today, that mission is entering an important new chapter.

After being selected through a competitive state process, Avow has expanded hospice services beyond Collier County and is now serving patients and families in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties, with offices in Fort Myers and LaBelle. For the first time, families from Cape Coral and Fort Myers to Clewiston and Moore Haven have access to the compassionate hospice care that Avow has provided for generations.

 As we observe National Hospice and Palliative Care Month this November, we recognize an essential part of our care team: our volunteers.

Hospice is not simply a healthcare service. It is a community commitment. Every year, Avow volunteers contribute more than 22,000 hours of service, helping patients and families navigate some of life's most difficult moments. They sit with patients through long afternoons. They provide caregivers with a much-needed opportunity to rest. They support children navigating grief in Avow Kids programs and assist with the behind-the-scenes work that allows our clinical teams to focus on delivering exceptional care.

That support has long strengthened families throughout Collier County. Now, as Avow expands across Southwest Florida, the need for volunteers has never been greater.

Every family we serve manages the complexities of caring for a loved one differently. It may be a spouse providing around-the-clock care, an adult child balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, or a patient whose greatest wish is to remain comfortable at home. In Lee, Hendry, Glades and Collier counties alike, volunteers help ensure those families are not facing those challenges alone.

As our clinical teams and programs grow throughout the region, we are also building a stronger network of local volunteers who understand and care about the communities they serve. A hospice organization can establish offices and hire caregivers, but meaningful local support comes from neighbors helping neighbors.

What families often remember most is not a medication schedule or a clinical procedure. They remember who showed up. They remember the volunteer who listened, shared a conversation, read aloud, offered companionship or simply sat quietly beside a loved one. Our clinicians bring expertise and compassionate care. Volunteers bring something equally meaningful: the gift of time.

You do not need a healthcare background to make a difference. Volunteers support patients and families directly, assist with administrative needs, help with Avow Kids programming and contribute to the success of Avow Treasures Resale Shop. Whether you are retired, raising a family, or building a career and are looking for a meaningful way to give back, there is a place for your talents.

We have a particular need for Veterans to join our volunteer team. Approximately one-quarter of Avow's patients are Veterans, and Avow is proud to be a five-star We Honor Veterans partner. Through our Veteran Volunteer Bootcamps, Veterans are trained to conduct honor ceremonies, lead Coffee with Vets gatherings and provide companionship to fellow Veterans receiving hospice care. Some connections can only be formed through shared experiences and service.

Volunteering with Avow is a meaningful commitment. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and commit to a minimum of four hours per week for six months. We also provide comprehensive training and orientation to ensure every volunteer is prepared to support patients and families with confidence and compassion.

As Avow's footprint expands across Southwest Florida, our mission remains unchanged: ensuring that no one faces the end of life alone. The difference is that today, that commitment extends beyond Collier County to families throughout Lee, Hendry and Glades counties as well.

So consider this my invitation. During National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, join us in building the next chapter of hospice care in Southwest Florida. Whether you live in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, LaBelle, Clewiston, Moore Haven, Naples or anywhere in between, there is a family in your community who could benefit from your time, compassion and presence.

To learn more about volunteering, visit Avow Volunteer Opportunities, call Avow Volunteer Services at 239-261-4404 or email VolunteerServices@avowcares.org.

Avow was built by volunteers 44 years ago. As we expand throughout Southwest Florida, the future of our mission will continue to be built the same way: one volunteer, one family and one act of compassion at a time.