26 | OCTOBER 27 • 2022 

A

lana Knoppow, 36, of 
Ann Abor was nom-
inated by Hospice 
of Michigan (HOM) for her 
dedicated service to the organi-
zation as a volunteer program 
manager during and after her 
work hours. 
“
Alana has been an employ-
ee and a volunteer with the 
Hospice of Michigan for almost 
10 years now,
” said Alison 
Wagner, the statewide director 
of volunteer services and com-
plementary therapies at Hospice 
of Michigan. 
“Over the years, Alana vol-
unteers with her pets with both 
our pediatric and adult patients 
and has really brought a lot of 
joy to patients with those visits.
”
As the volunteer program 
manager, Knoppow specializes 
in bringing in volunteers to help 
meet the needs of patients while 
creating relationships between 
patients and volunteers. 
“We’ve been able to line up 
volunteers to visit patients who 
share common interests and 
can bring joy to the patient,
” 
Knoppow explains. 
“Volunteers also have been 
with patients in their final 
moments — being there 
for them when other family 

couldn’t be present or maybe 
there wasn’t any. Our volunteers 
will sometimes be there for a 
patient, holding their hand and 
reminding them that they aren’t 
alone.
”
One of the things Knoppow 
loves about being part of the 
HOM family is helping create 
those bonds and relationships 
between the volunteers, patients 
and their families.
“I’ve had instances where it’s 
only one family member or an 
elderly spouse, and they just 
want someone else to be there 
with them while their loved one 
is passing, and it’s been a really 
beautiful thing.
”
When Knoppow isn’t work-
ing, she also spends time volun-
teering for the organization. 

“I’ve been volunteering since 
2015 as a pet volunteer and 
a musician. I get to share my 
second certified therapy dog, 
Albert, with patients since they 
can’t care for a pet themselves. 
To be able to bring one back 
into their life can change their 
whole day and their whole 
demeanor.
”
Originally from Farmington 
Hills, Knoppow says she has 
always been connected to the 
Metro Detroit Jewish commu-
nity. 
“I used to sing for Jewish 
Senior Life in Oak Park and did 
therapy dog visits with Jewish 
Family Service and JARC,
” 
Knoppow added. 
The impact Knoppow makes 
throughout the community 

means so much to her, and she 
hopes to continue to inspire 
others through sharing her 
story and her work. 
“I hope that people will be 
inspired and consider HOM as 
a volunteer opportunity. They 
can pursue and reach out to me 
to see if it’s a good fit or ask any 
questions, even if they’re just 
thinking about volunteering 
anywhere in any capacity.
” 

If you’d like to get involved and learn 

more about volunteer opportunities 

with the Hospice of Michigan, email 

Alana Knoppow at aknoppow@hom.

org.

If you would like to nominate someone 

to be the next volunteer of the week, 

send a nomination with a short 

paragraph telling us why to rsweet@

thejewishnews.com.

Building Relationships 
Through Volunteering

OUR COMMUNITY

Meet Alana Knoppow, a volunteer program manager 
with Hospice of Michigan. 

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK

Alana and Sammi, 
her first certified 
therapy dog, at 
work.

Alana’s current 
pug, Albert.

