POLAND — Roseann Cullen knew she was a part of something special when she witnessed the care and compassion her mother received nine years ago before she died at Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley.

Cullen, of Poland, visited her mom, Helen Desimone, daily and the two would watch “The Golden Girls” together. She said the staff took such good care of them, she decided she wanted to get involved.

Her mother, who was 98, wasn’t there long, but Cullen said her connection to the place and its volunteers was immediate.

“I saw firsthand how she was treated,” Cullen said. “When there was an opening (for volunteers), I jumped at it.”

Though some might wonder how Cullen could go back to the place where her mother died, she said it provides her a sense of peace.

“I had no problem coming back here,” she said. “It was my choosing.”

Hospice House has 97 volunteers who rotate in the facility, which serves the tri-county area, providing compassionate, end-of-life care.

Volunteer coordinator Jennifer Burgoyne said the 16-room inpatient facility, at 9803 Sharrott Road, needs more volunteers to provide caregiver relief, companionship and vigil visits.

Those interested must sign up for training to equip them with the skills and knowledge to support patients, family and staff.

Burgoyne said training will be Oct. 19 and 26 and participants must attend both. Another training session will be scheduled after the first of the year for prospective volunteers, she added.

Candidates must pass background and drug tests, complete 15 training hours and attend two in-services per year for ongoing education.

Dave McConnell of Boardman volunteers at the front desk on Fridays and sits with Hospice patients or those in area nursing homes who have no family.

“I talk to them, even if they don’t respond,” he said, adding he also sings or plays music for patients.

The retired truck driver said he was moved when a young man was able to receive his high school diploma at his dying mother’s bedside, surrounded by officials from his school.

“This facility exudes love,” he said.

The Catholic, faith-based Hospice House, the only standalone hospice in the area, accepts patients of all faiths and those who are agnostic or atheist.

It opened in September 2006 and was financed through donor contributions. It has a staff of doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy, secretaries and people who work in maintenance and meal preparation, Burgoyne said.

Renee Masternick of Boardman has volunteered at Hospice House for 11 years and said it’s gratifying to know she’s able to provide comfort and assistance to those during a sad time in their lives.

“It’s so rewarding,” she said. “It just makes you feel so good.”

Robert Ochtyun, of Warren, is a nine-year volunteer at Hospice House and said it’s an honor to be able to provide comfort and dignity to dying patients and their families.

He said he sits with them, talks when appropriate and plays soothing music on his acoustic guitar.

“Compassion is everywhere in this building,” he added. “This isn’t all sadness here.”

Burgoyne said animals often play a big role in end-of-life care. There are four therapy dogs who visit patients and another is being trained in the program.

“We’re very happy to have them,” she said of the animals.

Years ago, before she worked at the facility, Burgoyne said a patient’s horse was brought into the building to say its “good byes” to its owner.

Karen Becker of Poland trains dogs with Dog Smarts Unleashed and volunteers at Hospice House. In tow with Becker is Daisy Mae, her bully breed mix who is a therapy dog certified through Wags ‘N Wishes.

She has costumes for Daisy Mae and said the comfort animals provide is something special to witness.

“Almost every time I come here, Daisy Mae connects with a patient who is dying,” she said. “Unless you experience it, you can’t believe it.”

Hospice House staff and volunteers go out of their way to make patients’ final days special, Becker said.

Her sister-in-law died at Hospice House in June, surrounded by loved ones, outside under a tree.

“It was an amazing experience,” she said.

It’s not uncommon for people to see butterflies and hummingbirds when outside on the property, she said, explaining it was a blessing her sister-in-law was able to spend three or four days outside during her time there.

“That’s the beauty of that space,” she added.

For more information on the volunteer program, contact Burgoyne at 330-549-5902.