Hospice Southeastern Connecticut has announced the graduation of 18 new volunteers. The volunteers participated in up to 20 hours of training, learning all aspects of hospice care and their role as volunteers for Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. Graduating volunteers are the following: Complementary Therapists: Robert Baird, Groton; Patricia Benoit, Norwich; Shannon Mack, Waterford; Joan St. John, Ledyard; Jennifer Tuohy, Groton; Patient Care Volunteers: Carl Annino, Groton; Robert Boiselle, Quaker Hill; Imelda Bonnevie, Gales Ferry; TimothyEvers, Mystic; Harriet Griffith, Norwich; Rosemary Guerette, Quaker Hill; Donna Moore, New London; Alicia Pena, Waterford; Marilyn Stevenson, Norwich; Cheryl Thevenet, Lisbon; Jean Wydra, Norwich; Pet Therapists: Debra Marvin and her Yorkshire Terrier, Sierra, Colchester; Becky Nortz and her Standard Poodle, Skyler, Salem.

Hospice Southeastern Connecticut has 150 active volunteers. They visit patients and provide respite for caregivers in their homes and in skilled nursing facilities, provide pet therapy and other holistic therapies as well as run errands, pick up medications, deliver equipment, and offer roses of remembrance to bereaved family members. Volunteers also help in the Hospice Southeastern Connecticut office in Norwich and at various community and fundraising events throughout the year.

For more information on the volunteer program at Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, contact Lauren Watson at lwatson@hospicesect.org or 860-848-5699.