Photo submitted to the Times Observer From left are Lisa To, Hospice of Warren County executive director, new volunteers Abigail Krueger, Wesley Kiehl and Marylin Shene, and Barbi Zingone, Hospice of Warren County volunteer coordinator.

A vision turned into a mission accomplished. Hospice of Warren County has three new volunteers. The inaugural “Youth Volunteer Training Program” was recently completed. Three local high school students stepped forward to embrace the new training. The youth training program is based on the eight-week adult volunteer training given every spring. Hospice of Warren County’s volunteer training stems from 40 years of training history.

The mission statement: “To offer and educate our local youth to the Hospice of Warren County Volunteer Training Program; inspiring in and teaching them the knowledge of our standards and skills that remain paramount to what we strive to give our patients each day.”

“We are so proud of these two young ladies and one gentleman,” said Barbi Zingone, volunteer coordinator for Hospice of Warren County. “Educating our local youth regarding what we do for people is a life-changing course for them.”

Just like the adult training, Hospice of Warren County team members were on board to help educate. Lisa To, Hospice executive director, played a role in all the classes. Furthering the education of the students was Hospice of Warren County’s patient care coordinator, Hospice House RN Supervisor, assistant chaplain, social worker, two active adult volunteers, and a local funeral director.

The three youths, Abigail Krueger, Wesley Kiehl, and Marylin Shene, will begin their volunteer paths helping the nurses and aiding the patients and their loved ones at the Hospice House residence. Going forward, Hospice of Warren County hopes to see more youth interested in this new program, open to high school sophomores and juniors. Anyone interested may contact Zingone at the Hospice of Warren County office at 723-2455.