The Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center has three volunteer groups:
If you would like information about our volunteer programs, contact NRROC's Coordinator of Support Services at 406-248-2212 or by e-mail at rochellemartin@nrroc.org
The first volunteer group, PEAKS, is a fundraising organization. PEAKS stands for "People Everywhere Are Kind and Sharing." These volunteers conduct charitable events throughout the year to raise money for NRROC patients who are facing financial hardship. All patients receiving care at the Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center may apply for a PEAKS grant.
Most grants range from $50 to $800 and are applied toward costs associated with treatment. PEAKS funds are not applied to bills for cancer treatment, but instead offer a helping hand with lodging, meals, childcare, transportation, household basics, and other needs. Over the years, PEAKS has helped hundreds of families through grants totaling more than $495,000. All funds raised by PEAKS volunteers go directly to patients and are not used to finance the operation of the Radiation Oncology Center in any way.
Patients wishing to apply for a PEAKS grant may contact the NRROC Social Worker to obtain an application. Phone 248-2212 (in Billings) or 1-800-358-8818.
PEAKS is a grass-roots organization, founded in 1988. There are several different PEAKS groups, each with its own special approach to the idea of raising funds. Some are neighborhood groups, some are groups that developed out of service clubs or hobby affiliations, some are church-related, and some are professionally-based. Events range from the spectacular - such as the "Share the Spirit" Gala featuring live and silent auctions and the Annual Spring Fashion Show that’s a sell-out every year - to the humble, such as Bowlathons, Golfathons, Bake Sales, and Raffles.
The key to running a PEAKS group is, "It doesn’t matter how much money you raise, as long as you have fun doing it!"
In addition to PEAKS funding, other financial aid resources for cancer patients exist in Billings. To learn more, please check with the NRROC Social Worker at 248-2212 (in Billings) or 1-800-358-8818.
Developed in 1998, this group is composed of volunteers who want to have direct contact with the Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center and some of its patient-care tasks. Many of these caring people are folks who have been touched by cancer, want to learn new skills, meet others, or just want to share their time and talents with the community. There are a variety of positions offered to match the needs of our patients, volunteers and staff.
- Clerical Assistant: assists administrative and clinical staff with various clerical tasks
- Hospitality Aide: greets and offers support to patients and visitor in our lobby and waiting areas
- Patient Companion: provides companionship services to patients and their families during the course of treatment
- Special Projects Support Person: assists with special projects related to special events and campaigns
- Patient Activities Developer: seek activities for patients and their family to participate in during their treatment period.
- Stop 'n Shop Cart Attendant: handles retail sales of convenience products to the patients, their families and visitors
Would you like to befriend someone who’s in town for cancer treatment? Or welcome and orient new guests to Meadowlark House? This can be a very modest time investment. Meadowlark House guests often have caregivers with them, but they may still need a friendly phone call or help with a quick errand. If reaching out to these folks appeals to you, you might be just the one to help them feel better about being away from home.
Each new volunteer gets the opportunity to participate in a four-hour orientation session and individual on-the-job training. This is a great opportunity to get more involved iwth your community and give back by lending a helping hand.
For more informaiton on NRROC's volunteer programs, contact us at 406-248-2212 or 1-800-358-8818.
