Hearts in Motion: Helping teens grow through compassion and service
Like this content? Share with your friends and followers!
Article by Raven Calloway
Volunteer coordinator and
“Hearts in Motion” program lead
When young people are invited to serve, learn and lead, they often exceed our expectations.
I see that happen through Hearts in Motion, Mountain Valley’s teen volunteer program. These students arrive ready to explore what hospice care means and how they can make a difference. As they learn, they begin to understand that meaningful service does not always require a grand gesture. It can begin with listening, offering companionship or helping someone feel remembered and supported.
At Mountain Valley, we believe small acts can honor the lives and experiences of the people we serve. Our volunteers help bring that belief to life by showing compassion, respect and a willingness to be present.
Learning what hospice is truly about
Many teenagers have had little exposure to hospice before joining Hearts in Motion. Some may associate hospice only with the final days of life. Through the program, they discover a fuller picture.
Hospice is about helping people with serious, life-limiting illnesses experience greater comfort, dignity and support. It also surrounds families with practical, emotional, social and spiritual care. Mountain Valley’s hospice team works to help patients focus on the people and moments that matter most to them.
That understanding can change the way teens think about service. They learn that supporting another person sometimes means doing rather than speaking—and sometimes it simply means staying present.
Lillie, one of our teen volunteers, described the experience this way:
“Volunteering with hospice has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Through this opportunity, I have been able to provide comfort, companionship, and support to patients and their families during difficult times. My personal experience with loss has given me a deeper understanding of the emotions families face and has helped me approach each person with compassion, empathy, and respect. Volunteering in hospice has strengthened my appreciation for the importance of kindness, dignity, and being present for others when they need support the most.”
Her words capture the heart of this program. Volunteers may join hoping to help others, but they often find that the experience also shapes their own understanding of kindness, loss, dignity and human connection.
Morgan, another teen volunteer, has seen how meaningful even a brief interaction can be while volunteering at Woltz Hospice Home:
“Volunteering at Woltz has honestly been such a meaningful experience for me. Getting to spend time with patients and watching how the staff cares for them has really opened my eyes. It’s taught me how important compassion is and how even small moments can make a big difference in someone’s day. I’m really grateful to be part of it.”
Morgan’s reflection speaks to one of the most important lessons of Hearts in Motion: care is often expressed through simple, thoughtful moments. A conversation, a kind gesture or a few minutes of undivided attention can help another person feel seen and supported.
That understanding reflects Mountain Valley’s belief that small acts can honor the lives and experiences of the people we serve and help make every moment matter. It also shows how teen volunteers are learning by observing Mountain Valley staff members provide compassionate, respectful care.
Building practical skills and confidence
Hearts in Motion includes opportunities for teens to learn from Mountain Valley professionals. In a recent session, participants worked with a Mountain Valley nurse educator to learn the fundamentals of CPR.
The training was interactive and practical. Teens were able to ask questions, practice techniques and build confidence in skills that could help them respond during an emergency. Just as importantly, they learned alongside healthcare professionals who modeled patience, responsibility and compassionate leadership.
Jennifer, a volunteer coordinator who leads alongside me, has seen that enthusiasm firsthand:
“They are a great group of young people who are willing to learn. The program is very interactive, bringing teens and professionals together. The students are disciplined and eager to learn, and the experience can also be a meaningful addition to college applications.”
While experiences such as CPR education can strengthen a student’s résumé or college application, their greatest value goes beyond a credential. These activities teach teens to remain attentive, take responsibility and respond thoughtfully when others need help.
Preparing the next generation of compassionate leaders
Leadership is sometimes mistaken for being the loudest person in the room. Hearts in Motion offers another model.
Compassionate leaders listen. They respect the experiences of others. They understand that every person deserves dignity and belonging. They are willing to learn, adapt and serve with humility.
These qualities reflect Mountain Valley’s values of integrity, belonging, resilience, excellence and joy. They also support our mission to create the best experience for every patient, every family, every time.
As teens interact with patients, families, volunteers and healthcare professionals, they begin to see how those values appear in everyday actions. Integrity may mean following through on a commitment. Belonging may mean welcoming someone who feels uncertain. Resilience may mean continuing to care during a difficult season. Excellence may mean taking the time to learn a skill well. Joy may be found in sharing a conversation, creating something thoughtful or helping another person smile.
Mountain Valley’s brand promise recognizes the power of such moments: a touch, a smile and the ability not only to listen, but to truly hear.
Pamela shared,
“The little time I have been in the program has helped me so much, especially talking to healthcare professionals and patients as well. It gives me an idea of a future I want. This experience has also taught me how important compassion is, not only to some, but to all.”
Encouragement from across the Mountain Valley team
The impact of Hearts in Motion reaches beyond the teens themselves. Their compassion, curiosity and willingness to serve have also encouraged the Mountain Valley professionals who work alongside them.
Brian Chilton, spiritual care coordinator at Mountain Valley, shared:
“People can say what they want about the next generation. But after working with our wonderful interns at Mountain Valley under the direction of Raven Calloway, I am confident that we are going to be in good hands. God is raising up teens who are compassionate, highly intelligent, and eager to help. My days are brightened when meeting these future leaders. May their tribe increase.”
Brian’s words reflect what I have also witnessed throughout the program. These young people bring energy, thoughtfulness and a sincere desire to help others. They ask meaningful questions, listen carefully and approach each experience with respect.
Their example gives us every reason to feel hopeful. As they continue to grow, they are developing the empathy, knowledge and sense of purpose that will help them become compassionate leaders in healthcare, service and their communities.
Every act of kindness matters
Leading Hearts in Motion is a privilege because I get to see young people discover their ability to make a difference.
They remind us that service has no minimum age and that leadership can begin with a willingness to learn. Whether they are participating in a training session, supporting a community activity or offering their time and attention, these teens are developing habits that can stay with them throughout their lives.
They are not only learning about the future of compassionate care. They are helping shape it.
To learn more about the program, eligibility and upcoming opportunities, visit the Hearts in Motion teen volunteer program page.
At Mountain Valley, every moment matters—and every young person who chooses to serve has the potential to make those moments more meaningful.
