Introduced in 1978, St. Francis Hospice is Hawaii's first and largest hospice program.  We provide home hospice as well as inpatient care when needed in our two facilities: 12-bed Sister Maureen Keleher Center in Nuuanu; and 24-bed Maurice J. Sullivan Family Hospice Center in Ewa Beach.

Volunteers are the heart of St. Francis Hospice, providing an invaluable amount of support in a variety of ways.  Hospice volunteers provide companionship and personal care to patients, read to patients, engage in a patient's hobbies or interests, run errands, do light housekeeping, provide respite to the caregivers and bereavement support to family members.  Volunteers also provide office support including answering the phone, greeting visitors, assisting at special events such as the Rose for Remembrance (November), Tree Lighting (December) and clerical assistance.  Volunteers who can provide support through music and art or by volunteering with their pet are also welcome.  For a complete list of examples of how Hospice Volunteers can assist click here.

Volunteers who speak Japanese, Korean, Samoan, Tongan, Vietnamese, Thai, Laotian, Filipino and Chinese dialects are desired as well.

Hospice Volunteers participate in a 20-hour training program - 16 hours in the classroom and 4 hours accompanying a licensed patient care provider.  Training provides an overview of the history, philosophy and role of hospice care, as well as practical skills for their role as volunteers.