VA Northern IN Health Care System

VA's Center for Development and Civic Engagement is the largest volunteer program in the federal government. Men and women from their teens to their nineties become volunteer partners on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care team. Some bring special skills and knowledge, while others have a desire to explore and learn. Many come with a gift for working directly with patients, while others bring dependability to assignments behind the scenes. Voluntary Service matches the volunteer to the assignment, provides orientation and training for volunteers and maintains an awards program to recognize volunteer service.

 VA's Center for Development and Civic Engagement places Volunteers at local VA medical centers, national cemeteries, regional offices and regional counsel offices. At medical centers, their roles range from traditional ones, such as providing volunteers for escorting patients and administrative duties, to creative activities, such as teaching arts and crafts and developing newsletters. As VA has expanded its care of patients into the community, VA Voluntary Service's now place Volunteers to help assist VA staff in hospice programs, outpatient clinics and outreach centers.