One hour a week can make a meaningful difference.
For Jenn Kristovensky, employer health consultant and volunteer at WellSpan, that hour is spent visiting WellSpan hospice patients in Lebanon as part of a companionship group. Since August 2025, she has used that time to offer comfort, conversation and a steady presence to patients who may simply need someone to sit with them, listen or brighten their day.
Volunteering with the WellSpan hospice team has provided Jenn an opportunity to experience a different side of WellSpan from her full-time role in employer services.
“I really enjoy connecting and getting to know our patients,” Jenn says. “It’s important to make sure they know someone is always there for them, even if it's just a smile or time spent listening.”
The power of presence
Jenn shows up to visits with compassion, creativity and her full attention. She comes prepared with activities when they’re helpful, but she also understands that sometimes the most meaningful gift is simply being present.
“Sometimes people just need someone to be there for them and that’s enough,” she says.
She has seen how much those visits can mean – noticing that many patients become excited when they see the blue volunteer vests enter the room. It creates a warm, engaging environment where connections are formed and special moments are made.
Jenn also credits the entire volunteer team for the amount of time and compassion put into each scheduled visit. Some volunteers provide companionship through one-on-one visits, while others help behind the scenes by preparing supplies, donating materials or offering items such as coloring pages and fidget tools that can be used during visits. Others provide more hands-on support, including haircuts and service-based care.
Together, those efforts help create moments of comfort, laughter and connection for patients and their families, even during difficult times.
“We’re all caught up in our busy lives but spending time with these individuals really puts everything into perspective,” Jenn says. “It does as much for me as I do for them. It’s a flexible schedule and one hour a week where I can be of service to someone and focus on others. Anyone with a busy schedule can find time out of their week to make a difference.”
Interested in volunteering like Jenn? Get involved and find all opportunities nearest you here.
