Granite VNA News

April 16-22 is National Volunteer Week, and Granite VNA is recognizing the vital role that volunteers play in the agency’s work. Granite VNA is a not-for-profit agency that provides home health and hospice care and a wide array of community wellness services to residents of 82 communities in central New Hampshire – a mission the agency would be challenged to achieve without its dedicated volunteers.

“The 2023 National Volunteer Week theme is ‘Volunteering Weaves us Together,’ and it could not be more fitting for the way volunteers help us carry out our mission,” said Granite VNA Volunteer Coordinator for the greater Concord Region Lisa Challender. “Some of our volunteers are community minded and wish to pitch in, others are inspired to ‘give back’ to the agency and other patients after a loved one has received care – there are many reasons, but the common thread that ‘weaves us together’ is our shared commitment to helping people in our communities to live with dignity and independence through all stages of life.”

Granite VNA volunteers range in age from 18 to over 90 years old and come from all walks of life. Volunteers serve the agency in a variety of capacities, including serving on the board of trustees; facilitating community wellness programs; providing companionship to patients in home care and hospice; assisting at flu and foot care clinics; numerous roles at Hospice House; assisting with events; administrative support and more.

In fiscal year 2022, Granite VNA volunteers gave more than 5,579 hours of service to support the agency and the communities it serves.

“Volunteers are integral members of our team,” said Granite VNA Volunteer Coordinator for the Lakes Region Randy Macdonald. “There are so many ways volunteers can contribute. If someone has a particular expertise, interest or reason for volunteering, we will find a niche – and a need – for them!”

Not only are Granite VNA volunteers dedicated to serving their community, but they are also award-winning. Granite VNA volunteers were recently recognized with the Outstanding Award in the group category by Volunteer NH, and volunteer Joanne Casino of Concord has been named the recipient of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Age of Champions Excellence in Volunteerism Award for 2023. She will be honored in a virtual ceremony on Friday, April 21, 2023.

Some Granite VNA volunteer roles require training, such as facilitating community wellness programs and bereavement groups and various roles at Hospice House and with home hospice, among others.

Those who are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities with Granite VNA may contact Lisa Challender at 603-224-4093, ext. 82826 or lisa.challender@granitevna.org, or Randy Macdonald at 603-224-4093, ext. 62378 or randy.macdonald@granitevna.org, or visit granitevna.org/volunteer.