The Odessa Harrigan
Foundation
Volunteer services that bring compassion, companionship, and care to patients and families across the Bronx. Founded in memory of Odessa Harrigan — a woman who believed no one should face illness alone.
In Memory of
Odessa Harrigan
Odessa Harrigan was a pillar of the Bronx community — a mother, a grandmother, and a woman who spent her life caring for others. When she was hospitalized, she noticed how many patients had no one to sit with them, no one to explain what the doctor said, no one to hold their hand.
Before she passed, Odessa asked that her legacy be one of presence — of showing up for people when they are most vulnerable. The Odessa Harrigan Foundation was established by Metro Care Response to honor that wish.
“Nobody should have to be sick alone. Nobody should have to navigate the hospital by themselves. If I could sit with every patient in this building, I would.”
— Odessa Harrigan
Today, the foundation trains and deploys volunteers across six programs — from hospital bedside companionship to home care support — ensuring that no one in the Bronx faces illness, recovery, or aging without someone by their side.
Six Ways to
Make a Difference
Whether you have two hours a week or two days a month, there is a program that fits your heart and your schedule.
Hospital Patient Support
Volunteers visit hospitalized patients to provide companionship, read to them, assist with non-medical needs, and offer emotional support during difficult times.
- Bedside companionship
- Reading & conversation
- Meal assistance
- Family liaison support
Home Care Companion
Trained volunteers provide in-home companionship for seniors and recovering patients — helping with light tasks, conversation, and wellness check-ins.
- In-home visits
- Medication reminders
- Light household help
- Wellness monitoring
Community Outreach Walks
Volunteer teams walk through Bronx neighborhoods to identify community needs, distribute health resources, and connect residents with available services.
- Neighborhood canvassing
- Resource distribution
- Needs assessment
- Service referrals
Health Fair & Screening
Volunteers assist at community health fairs by helping with registration, guiding attendees, and supporting medical staff during free health screenings.
- Event setup & coordination
- Patient registration
- Screening assistance
- Health education
Patient Advocacy Support
Volunteers trained in patient rights assist individuals in understanding their care plans, communicating with providers, and navigating the healthcare system.
- Care plan explanation
- Provider communication
- Rights education
- Insurance guidance
Language & Cultural Bridge
Bilingual volunteers serve as interpreters and cultural liaisons, ensuring non-English speaking patients fully understand their care and feel comfortable.
- Interpretation services
- Cultural sensitivity
- Document translation
- Family communication
Real Numbers, Real Lives
Every statistic represents a person who did not have to face their hardest days alone.
Partner With the Foundation
Hospitals, nursing homes, and community organizations can partner with the Odessa Harrigan Foundation to bring volunteer support directly to their patients and residents. We handle recruitment, training, and scheduling — you simply tell us where the need is.
What Volunteers & Patients Say
Real stories from the Bronx community
“Volunteering with the Odessa Harrigan Foundation has given my retirement purpose. I visit seniors twice a week, and the relationships I have built are the most meaningful part of my life now.”
“As a nursing student, the hospital patient support program gave me real-world experience and perspective. The foundation trained me well, and I have learned as much from the patients as they have from me.”
“After my surgery, I was alone and scared. A volunteer from the foundation visited me every day for two weeks. She read to me, helped me understand my discharge papers, and made me feel like someone cared.”
“The Odessa Harrigan Foundation volunteers are an integral part of our care team. Their presence reduces patient anxiety, improves satisfaction scores, and allows our clinical staff to focus on medical care.”
From Application to
Active Volunteer
We have made the process simple, safe, and supportive. You will be serving your community within two weeks of applying.
Apply Online
Fill out the volunteer application below. Tell us about yourself, your availability, and which programs interest you.
Background Check
All volunteers undergo a background check and reference verification to ensure patient safety and trust.
Orientation & Training
Attend a 2-hour orientation covering patient privacy, communication skills, and program-specific training.
Start Serving
You are matched with a program and schedule that fits your skills and availability. Begin making a difference immediately.
Questions About Volunteering?
Call our volunteer coordinator directly — we are happy to walk you through the process.
Join the Foundation
Fill out the form below and our volunteer coordinator will contact you within 3-5 business days to schedule your orientation.
Odessa Harrigan Foundation
Volunteer Registration — Bronx, NY
Prefer to speak with our volunteer coordinator?
Call (929) 815-4275Explore Everything
the Foundation Offers
The Odessa Harrigan Foundation's dedicated website is home to upcoming community events, hunger & food support programs, children's safety initiatives, employment assistance, and more — all rooted in the Bronx community.
Carry On Odessa's Legacy
The Odessa Harrigan Foundation is more than a volunteer program — it is a promise that no one in the Bronx will face their hardest days alone. Join us.