It is difficult to come up with adequate words to describe how much your support means. You are dedicated and focused. You are hardworking and full of innovative ideas. I hope your good work will come back to you many times over. Thank you so much for volunteering with Community Hospice & Palliative Care. Although we celebrate “Volunteer Appreciation Month” in April, we appreciate you and your faithful services year-round!
I am excited to present to you my first Volunteer Newsletter. It contains many wonderful things happening in the Volunteer Services Department for Community Hospice & Palliative Care. If you have a volunteer experience you would like to share, please email your story to your volunteer coordinator. AHowell@communityhospice.com.
A big thank you to the 120 volunteers who attended our grand event this year at the UNF Adam Herbert University Center.
Linda Ashley, pictured in the center with Volunteer Coordinator Victoria Foster, has been a volunteer with Community Hospice & Palliative Care since 2017. As a former social worker, Linda understands the needs that may arise, and she has made herself available night or day. In 2016, she helped coordinate the hospice program at Penney Farms. Having come full circle, she is now a dedicated and loving volunteer for patients and families dealing with end-of-life situations. She is also a Community Educator for Advance Care Planning and Honoring Choices. In Linda’s words, “I have loved every minute of helping patients and families at the most important time of their lives.”
PPOM Volunteer of The Year Beth Berry
We are thrilled to announce that Beth Barry has been chosen as Pet Peace of Mind’s Volunteer of the Year! Community Hospice & Palliative Care joined the Pet Peace of Mind program in 2014, and Beth was already a volunteer at that time. She expressed an interest in PPOM and offered to foster small dogs if needed. The volunteer coordinator took her up on her offer very quickly. In the last ten years, Beth has been an invaluable volunteer. She has become the go-to foster volunteer for small dogs and helped raise funds for patients’ pet medical expenses.
More PPOM News
Pet Fostering involves bringing a cat or dog into your home to nurture them until they can be adopted into a permanent home with a family who will love them forever.
Pet Peace of Mind (PPOM) cats and dogs, like their human family members, have experienced the loss of a loved one. They need a place to stay as they learn to adjust to their new life, and being in a home environment is favorable to living in a kennel. Community Hospice PPOM pets have been to the veterinarian for a complete exam and, in some cases, may have recently been spayed or neutered - if they were not ‘fixed’ before joining the program. Community Hospice & Palliative Care pays for veterinary expenses for these pets, and we will help provide pet food, bowls, etc., if needed. There is no way to guarantee the time a pet will be in your home as a foster, but with your help providing updated photos and personality information, we hope to find them a permanent, loving home quickly.
If you are interested or know of someone interested in one of these pets, please contact Chris Whitney at 904-470-0688 or email her at cwhitney@communityhospice.com.
Click here to check out the pictures of these pets.
A special thanks to our PPOM Sponsors: Clay County Humane Society, Mandarin Animal Hospital, Homemade Hounds Bed and Biscuit of Middleburg, Matanzas River Animal Hospital, Southeast Veterinary Hospital
In the serene ambiance of Oceanfront Park in Jacksonville Beach, Julie Montemerlo of Wise Waves Wellness orchestrated a transcendent experience at the Full Moon Soundbath fundraiser. Attendees were surrounded by the soothing tones of crystal singing bowls and gongs, finding solace and tranquility. This event was a benefit for patients in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care.
The success of the fundraiser highlighted the power of collective generosity, as participants found both personal rejuvenation and fulfillment in supporting noble causes. Through the harmonious vibrations of sound healing, attendees not only nourished their own well-being but also extended a compassionate hand to those in need, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion that illuminated the path toward a brighter future for all.
Please help us add to the Volunteer Team by asking your relatives or friends to consider volunteering with Community Hospice & Palliative Care. The volunteer application can be found at the following link: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=1017126725.
Naddaf Charbel kicked off Memorial Day weekend by performing the Star Spangled Banner and other piano favorites by Mozart, Chopin, and Cohen. During his senior recital, he played many of the songs by memory. Our joy in music can bring comfort and peace to hospice patients with the unique ability to reach individuals on an emotional level. We are thankful for students like Naddaf Charbel to fill our ears and spirit with their joy in music.
Grand Opening May 18, 2024
This office brings essential services and resources to the local community, emphasizing the organization's commitment to providing compassionate care and support.
The grand opening event marked a significant milestone for Community Hospice & Palliative Care as it expanded its presence to serve North Jacksonville residents better.
Local community leaders attended the opening and had the opportunity to tour the new facility, learn about the services offered, and meet with staff members dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families facing serious illness and end-of-life challenges.
The office features a community room available for local organizations, civic groups, and professionals, providing a welcoming space for meetings, workshops, and other community events. Additionally, this facility will offer bereavement support for those in the local community who may have experienced a loss.
Click here to view pictures from the event.
The Volunteer Services Department is available to help you at any time. The main volunteer number is 904.407.7064
For a complete list of the Volunteer Services Department, click here.
You can also visit the website at Volunteer.CommunityHospice.com.