Become a JoyRx Mentor at a Portland Children's Hospital!

Interested in supporting children and teens in a hospital setting? We are currently looking for volunteers to join our JoyRx Mentorship program! 

JoyRx Mentorship fosters trusted companionship to inspire laughter and distraction. The only program of its kind in the nation, our trained, adult volunteer JoyRx Mentors provide emotional support to children in treatment and critical support to parents who endure the hardships of long hospital stays with their child.

Our mentors play games, listen to music, share hobbies, or simply offer the comfort of companionship, relieving the anxiety, loneliness, and isolation experienced by children in treatment. A JoyRx Mentor can also give parents a much-needed break to grab a cup of coffee, talk with doctors, or spend time with their other children.

JoyRx Mentors are carefully screened, trained, and thoughtfully matched with families, including those with bilingual needs. JoyRx Mentors and kids spend about six to eight hours per month together, both in hospital and out in the community enjoying activities like sporting events, concerts, and craft and game nights. The average match lasts for about 12 months, or for the duration of a child’s treatment. JoyRx provides ongoing support and education for our frontline volunteers.

Volunteers will gain experience working within a hospital setting and working with youth with pediatric illnesses. They will also see firsthand the importance of a mentor in a child’s life. Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in regular support and education events to learn more about pediatric oncology, youth development, and their role as a volunteer. We often hear from our Mentors that they get so much more than they give.