Serving Michigan
Ann Arbor and Livingston
Volunteers play an integral role in our health care team. Through volunteering, you can make a difference in the lives of others as well as your own. You will also become part of a community where caring for others is the highest priority.
Volunteer Roles
- Creative Arts Ambassador: This volunteer position requires outgoing creative individuals who enjoy positive fun interactions. In this role, you will conduct patient visits offering comfort measures and stimulating activities such as board games, crossword puzzles, cards, poetry reading, music, and quiet tranquil visits to our healing garden. This position provides specific training, desires self-starters and those with inspiring positive attitudes. Training is required for this role. Trainings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm.
Registration is required. - Welcome Ambassador: This volunteer position requires great customer service, provides information including directions by escorting visitors or patients to their point of service, either by walking or pushing a wheelchair. Also, connects guests with our shuttle, city bus or taxi service. The volunteer will assist with other miscellaneous tasks. Ability to interact with the public in a friendly manner giving each visitor a remarkable experience is a must. Ease of mobility is a requirement and one who enjoys a physically active role. Training is required for this role. Trainings are held every 1st Wednesday of the month. Trainings are approximately 2 1/2 hours and registration is required.
- Inpatient Unit Ambassador: This volunteer position will assist the patient and family by reinforcing assist key hospital practices as well as orienting to hospital and unit amenities. Duties include visiting and providing comfort to patients, escorting and orienting families to patient rooms, assist with discharge activities, and numerous other special projects. This position requires self-starter individuals with attention to detail and who can, present information in a clear and concise manner. Training is required for this role. Trainings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm.
Registration is required. - Book Cart Ambassadors: Volunteers deliver donated reading materials as well as read and visit with patients at the bedside. Duties include restocking the waiting areas, keeping the cart well stocked with books and magazines, keeping the storage area cleaned and organized. Stamina is a must for pushing the cart and walking long distances throughout the hospital.
- Community Outreach Ambassadors: Volunteers will assist with hospital community events, programs, and health symposiums. This role is usually for individuals who want to get involved in 1 day, short-term projects or annual projects. This is a great role for people who love to interact with the public and represent Trinity Health.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
The Farm at Trinity Health program on the Ann Arbor campus is a great location to learn more about sustainable farming, practice healthy eating, and giving back to your community. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities. We ask that volunteers be ages 15 and up. On-going volunteers are asked to select one to two shifts that they can attend regularly.
If you are an employee of Trinity Health and are interested in volunteering in your independent times, please reach out to Farm Staff at FarmVolunteers@trinity-health.org.
To become an on-going farm volunteer:
- Fill out an application for the role you're interested in (described below)
- Complete the background check request
- Attend a new volunteer orientation
- Orientations are held the 1st Thursday and 3rd Tuesday of every month, select a date with the Farm Manager.
- Get a badge
- Start volunteering!
We also welcome volunteers on a one-time basis and in groups. Process:
- Reach out to Farm Staff (FarmVolunteers@trinity-health.org)
- Fill out an application
Volunteer roles include:
Farming Volunteer: Volunteers learn about organic farming techniques and assist with weeding, pruning, planting, and harvesting produce and flowers.
- Available shifts: Tuesdays 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Thursdays 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Farm Community Supported Agriculture Volunteer: Volunteers assist with assembling and distributing weekly CSA shares for CSA members. CSA shares are bags harvested by The Farm at Trinity Health and other nearby farms.
- Available shifts: Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; 2:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Farm Event Planning Volunteer: The Farm hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including the annual Luminary Walk. Volunteers will help to develop ideas for these events and plan logistics.
- Available shifts: as needed
Event Volunteer: Help community events run smoothly, can include welcoming participants, helping with activities, etc.
- Available shifts: as needed
Tabling Volunteer: Provides information to the public at community events.
- Available shifts: as needed
For more information, contact our volunteer coordinator at FarmVolunteers@trinity-health.org. To find out more about the farm, visit the website.
The Trinity Health Pet Therapy Program is a unique way that we show compassion to our patients, their families and even our hospital staff. Pet Therapy visits lift the spirits of our patients and help them reconnect and give them unconditional love which boosts their mental and physical health.
Pet therapy dogs have to be tested, registered, and insured through a national organization. A current membership card is needed which indicates that the dog has been tested by the vet and that the team’s liability insurance is in effect. Dogs must be clean, well-groomed and parasite free. They must be obedience trained and work well on a leash. The handlers will have to submit a copy of current pet vaccination records.
Therapaws of Michigan is the local organization that supports the therapy teams and helps its members with facility assignments. This link will help anyone get started, who is interested in being tested with their dog.
It is suggested that the dogs are at least two years old when they are tested, so we have a reasonable idea that the dog's behavior isn’t going to change very much. For any questions and concerns, contact us at 734-712-4164. Volunteer opportunities:
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Canine Patient Visitors: One- on-one interaction between the patient and the dog.
- Guest Ambassador Volunteer: Pet therapy teams are stationed at the entrances of the hospital to bring joy to patients and visitors as well as give directions, information and escorting to their destinations.
In addition to the standard volunteer application for the pet handler, there are additional requirements for the pet:
- Copy of current pet vaccination records
All vaccinations must be current and must have completed an annual physical exam. - Current copy of pet license.
- Current Pet Therapy Registration
A copy of current Pet Therapy membership is proof, every year, that our dogs have been tested by the vet and that the team's liability insurance is in effect. - Dogs must be clean, well-groomed and parasite free. They must be obedience trained and work well on a leash.
The Family Advisory Board provides an extra level of support to parents and families of critically ill babies being cared for in the NICU. It is made up of patients whose babies graduated from the NICU and use their experience to help create and offer educational and support programs.
If interested in becoming a FAB volunteer, the first step is to complete an application and then contact program coordinator, Suzanne.O'Rourke@trinity-health.org. All Trinity Health volunteer requirements apply and must be completed prior to training.
Trinity Health values your input as we continuously improve the planning, delivery and evaluation of healthcare. As such, we have created a variety of advisory roles, and invite former patients, family members and the community (you!) to offer input and advice on various aspects of the patient experience.
Volunteer Musicians have performed in our Main Hospital Lobby since 2011. The piano is a 6'3" S-400B Yamaha. Performances are typically one hour in duration from Monday through Thursday at 12 noon. Evenings and week-end options will depend upon program assistant availability. Trinity Health is honored to participate with many talented individuals from our community and a growing number of groups including:
- Ann Arbor Piano Teachers Guild
- Ann Arbor Public School Orchestras and Bands
- Detroit Symphony Orchestra
- Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company
- Eastern Michigan University Department of Music and Dance Students and Faculty
- Father Gabriel Richard High School Madrigal Singers
- Flutesong Flute Choir
- Piano Studio of Genie Hollander
- Praise Baptist Church
- St. Mary's Bell Choir
- The D'Rivera Trio
- University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance Students and Faculty
- Viola Studio of Caroline Coade
- Violin Studio of Katie Buck
- Washtenaw Community College's Middle College Music Club
- Ypsilanti High School Choir
- Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra
- Ypsilanti Youth Jazz Band
Musicians
Musicians are welcome to perform in our public areas (lobbies, family areas) by completing the Healing Arts Application (below).
Groups and Individuals interested in performing on inpatient units must complete the application plus additional screening.
Application:
Musicians and program assistants, return to the apply now button above to become a part of the healing arts team.
Trinity Health NICU is currently seeking caring, and compassionate individuals who are able to sit quietly and hold/cuddle infants for long periods of time while providing comfort by cuddling, holding, and nurturing. (rocking, reading, singing). This includes babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome(NAS) as well as other infants who could benefit developmentally from social interaction and holding.
Volunteers will work, along with all health care team members in the NICU. The volunteers' primary function will be to provide a consistent routine of comfort and nurturing care in the form of "cuddling" or positive touch for these babies as directed in unit training. Parents of these infants will be informed of the volunteer program. Unit Volunteer Cuddler must be non-smokers and will be required to wear a provided unit t-shirt.
Training Requirements:
Volunteers will receive an orientation to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The orientation will consist of the following:
- infection control policies
- confidentiality
- safety
- patient comfort procedures which are appropriate for volunteers
- infant stimulation and development
- non-direct patient support that do not displace staff
- Sign appropriate competency forms
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Trinity Health. We are excited that you have chosen us for a possible volunteer placement.
The Welcome Ambassador program is a special opportunity for those who have a passion for providing remarkable customer service. Ambassadors form valuable connections with patients and family members through empathetic conversations while assisting them to their visits. Our Ambassadors are stationed at entrances throughout our campuses and escort patients and family members to their destination within the hospital.
Ambassadors go through an extensive training process to make sure they are properly prepared to handle the needs of our patients and their families. This training encompasses customer service delivery, wayfinding on campus, Trinity Health policies and procedures, and job shadowing. In addition, empathy training is included to help our volunteers show appreciation, graciousness, and compassion to our patients and visitors.
This opportunity is for individuals who enjoy meeting and interacting with people. Essential skills needed are great communication both active listening and speaking and enjoy doing lots of walking. They are the patient's first point of contact when they enter the hospital. Our goal is to be that friendly face that will make their experience a remarkable one. Welcome Ambassadors are the bridge between patients and the services offered in the hospital and so volunteers must always be prepared with a positive attitude and a willingness to help.
Ambassadors help with the following services:
- Greeting patients, family, visitors, and staff members.
- Escorting patients and visitors to their destination.
- Arranging for transportation services, on site and off site.
- Provide wheelchair assistance for patients, families, and visitors.
- Providing directions to outpatient and inpatient services
The 2024 Summer
The 2024 Summer Teen program is coming, and the application opens on June 1, 2024.
Teens must be 16-18 years old and attending high school. They must commit to one day a week for 4 hours for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks. Absences should not exceed two days and must be made up during the eight-week time period. The program runs from the beginning of summer vacation to the end of August.
Applicants must have all online materials completed prior to the scheduled informational session. Please see the application requirement link on the home page or call 734-712-4159 for more details.
Apply now to reserve your seat and plan to attend one of the upcoming informational training sessions.
Sessions are held on the Ann Arbor Campus on the following dates:
Friday, June 21, 2024
11am-4pm
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
11am-4pm
Applications will be accepted for the 2023-2024 Fall & Winter semesters beginning August 1, 2023.
The college program is a minimum commitment of an eight (8) months or 2 semesters of one day a week for 4 hours on a set schedule. The program is broken into Fall, and Winter sessions and loosely follows the normal college semester.
The placement is for an entire semester but may change for the second semester. Schedule change form is available in the resources section for submission by Sept. 2 for Fall, and by Jan. 7 for Winter session. Please seek approval from your Volunteer Liaison if the change is in the same placement area. After approval complete the form. All new placement & schedule request forms will be followed up within 5-7 business days.
The 2023 summer application is closed.
The Summer College Program runs from 4th week in May until the end of August. It is designed for college students returning to the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti area for the summer and/ or graduating high school students that are attending college in the fall. Students are required to commit to 8 hours a week on a set schedule. The 8 hours can be split into two 4 hour days or one 8 hour day.
In addition to the standard application process, summer college students must have a High School Diploma by the application date in order to participate in the program.