Today, we celebrate International Volunteer Day! Volunteering has many rewards, from reducing stress to building relationships to changing others’ lives in positive ways. Whether lending a helping hand or a listening ear, volunteers across Aultman Health System make a lasting impact on patients, visitors and staff. In honor of the day, we’re spotlighting a married couple who volunteer at Aultman Hospice.

When Aultman Hospice volunteers Jeff and Vickie Mobilian each experienced the loss of a parent, they were inspired to help others who are accompanying a loved one on an end-of-life journey.

For Vickie, the special touches provided for families stood out the most when her father was in inpatient hospice. “We didn’t want to leave my father’s side,” she said. “It meant so much to us that the hospice provided meals and beverages for families so that we didn’t have to go out for food. I decided I wanted to do the same for others.”

Jeff appreciated how much patients brightened when they had visitors. Then, an experience at Little Flower Catholic Church solidified his desire to help.

“I couldn’t stand the thought of anyone being in hospice alone,” Jeff said. “And when I saw a notice in the church bulletin that the Compassionate Care Center needed volunteers, it was the nudge I needed to reach out.”

Jeff and Vickie are both retired. They’ve been volunteering with Aultman Hospice for about three years. Vickie prepares homemade soup and bakes cookies for families at the Compassionate Care Center at Aultman Woodlawn. She also helps with administrative tasks in the office.

Jeff visits Aultman Hospice patients and families in their homes, nursing homes or the Compassionate Care Center. Jeff also provides respite care so that caregivers can run errands or simply recharge.

“People in hospice and their families just want to have someone to talk with, especially about everyday things,” Jeff said. “They are grateful to have those moments of normality in their lives, and I enjoy spending time with them.”

For Vickie, helping with the Compassionate Care Center is a way to turn a hobby into service to others. She loves to cook and bake, and the Compassionate Care Center gives her a place to share her signature recipes. She also brings meals to families on holidays.

“I like to make the holiday special for families who are spending it with loved ones in hospice,” Vickie said.

Before they began volunteering, they attended training provided by Aultman Hospice, which helped them understand what to expect and how to interact with patients and families.

Jeff accompanied an experienced volunteer, Dave Smithberger, before visiting patients and families on his own. “Just seeing how he talked with people and showed such compassion helped me feel comfortable with visiting on my own,” Jeff said.

Outside of volunteering, Jeff and Vickie enjoy traveling. These days, much of their travel involves visiting their four adult children – including triplets – who live in different cities throughout the United States. They have two grandchildren.

As volunteers, Jeff and Vickie are grateful to be able to help other families facing the loss of a loved one. “We will always remember that the hospices told us it had been a privilege to care for our parents,” Jeff said. “We feel the same way about helping patients and families.”

If you’d like to volunteer at Aultman Health System, we have many opportunities available at our facilities in Alliance, Canton and Orrville. Visit aultman.org/volunteer for more information.