Chris Nolte joins EveryStep, seeks volunteers to help the non-profit

EveryStep Hospice of Osceola and Winterset is pleased to announce that Chris Nolte of Winterset has joined their team as volunteer coordinator. EveryStep is one of Iowa’s oldest non-profit hospice providers. Its locally based teams in Osceola and Winterset provide hospice care throughout Madison, Clarke and Adair counties.

Sarah Nigg, RN, team director for EveryStep’s Osceola and Winterset teams says, “I am excited to welcome Chris to our team. He comes to us with a strong understanding of the general hospice philosophy and has a long record of working to promote hospice efforts, through his association with the hospitals in Winterset and Grinnell.”

Nolte brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience and almost 40 years in community development experience to his new role. Most recently, Nolte worked as director of public relations and development for Madison County Health Care System in Winterset.

“Chris has worked with many people in Madison County, as well as having contacts in Adair and Clarke counties,” Nigg says. “I know his passion for helping people will help us get our message out and assist us in recruiting volunteers to our programs.” The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of the volunteer programs for all community organizations, including EveryStep. However, the importance of the program remains significant.

“In a ‘normal’ situation, our volunteers would be calling on hospice patients in their homes, or health care facilities, to provide companionship and to assist the family as a family member faces his or her final days,” Nolte says, adding that volunteers have not been able to make in-person visits during the pandemic. However, the change hasn’t stopped their good work. “Some of our patients are able to take phone calls and many of our volunteers have continued to remain in contact through that method,” Nolte says. That assistance can be vital, as communication from EveryStep staff and volunteers is an important part of the support families receive as their loved ones transition into hospice care.

“As we see restrictions lifted, you can anticipate we will be recruiting volunteers and conducting our training so we can meet the needs of those we serve,” Nolte says, adding that the team can always use volunteers for non-patient needs, as well. “We often have clerical opportunities for volunteers and, to be honest, if you want to volunteer, contact me and we’ll talk about how you can get involved. Maybe you like to play guitar or are willing to read to a patient – let’s talk about how your talents can serve another!”

Nolte says he is humbled by the opportunity to become a member of the EveryStep team. "I am so impressed with the heart of those with whom I am working. They work so hard to ensure the patient and his or her family face the end of life in a dignified way." To learn about volunteering opportunities with EveryStep, please call Chris Nolte at (641) 202-5200, email cnolte@everystep.org, or visit www.everystep.org/volunteer.

Chris Nolte is a graduate of Grand View University in Des Moines. Prior to working in health care, Nolte served as the executive director of the Madison County Chamber and Development Group. Following his employment at Madison County Health Care System, he continued to serve for over 12 years on the Board of Directors for the Greater Madison County Development Group. He served in similar capacities for the Grinnell Chamber/Greater Grinnell Development and Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell, Iowa. He also served as executive director for chamber/economic development organizations in LeMars and Storm Lake Iowa. Nolte and his wife Jean have been members of the Winterset community for 17 years. He presently serves as chair of Madison County Cares, The Winterset Friendship Exchange Commission and The George Stout Fellowship for Art in the Public Sphere. He also serves on a number of other committees and boards. Nolte has also been a long-time member of the Winterset Community Band and Iowa Military Veterans Band. He and his wife have one child who works and lives in Des Moines.