Bringing Light & Love into the New Year
Celia’s House to Launch Pilot Spiritual Care Program
Cheryl French, Volunteer

An innovative pilot spiritual care program for residents, families, staff, and volunteers will soon be implemented at Celia’s House. Long-time Culture Committee volunteer, The Reverend Mary Piper, Chaplain, has been named director of the new program.

Describing the need for the program, Executive Director Dwight Wilson said, “Many people facing a terminal illness are often unprepared for the difficult emotional challenges they may experience: loss of control, anger, guilt, loneliness and isolation, and spiritual crises.” He explained, “By recognizing the spiritual nature and culture of Celia’s House, and the challenging needs of many of the residents, staff, and families, we are hoping to provide increased support to those in spiritual distress.”

Program Director Mary Piper said, “Our desire is for this program to support the work of chaplains, religious and spiritual leaders in our region, as well as enhance the spiritual care presence at Celia’s House, especially during evenings and weekends.”
Mary added, “Our care staff have incredibly stressful jobs and feel loss and grief while working to comfort people as they die. Our hope is that they will benefit as well.” (Photograph of Mary Piper)

Earlier this year, Celia’s House Culture Committee held a spiritual diversity training. They defined spiritual care as an acknowledgement of the search for deeper meaning in life, the connection to each other, and to something greater.

Describing the distinction between chaplains and clergy, Mary explained, “A chaplain is different from a religious leader. As chaplains, we don’t represent a specific perspective. We are trained to support people as they discover their individual questions and answers at the end of their lives. We support each person’s journey.”

The multifaceted pilot phase will be used to gather information, assess required resources, and create and supervise a volunteer program to supplement spiritual care availability when it is most needed. Longer term plans are under consideration for a chaplain internship program that would offer CPE credits.

1618 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR

Store Hours: 
Monday – Saturday, 10:30am – 5:00pm;
Closed Sunday.

(541) 488-7805
  • The HUB will be closed Christmas Day & New Years Day.

  • December 24th & December 31st The HUB will be open 10:30am - 2pm.

  • The HUB accepts donations Tuesday - Saturday 10:30am - 4:30pm. The HUB is closed Sunday and no donations are accepted Monday.

  • Interested in volunteering at The HUB? Contact us (541) 488-7805
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A Time to Gather
Su Rouzie, Volunteer

The kitchen at Celia’s House is at the heart—in spirit and location. When the holiday season is upon us, the kitchen ovens send out their delicious aromas throughout the house comforting everyone—residents, staff, and visitors. The location is right where the old and new parts of the house meet, providing the opportunity for everyone to pass by, say hello, and see what homemade treat is being made.

This year, a few days before Thanksgiving, the husband of one of our residents did just that. He poked his head in the kitchen, red eyed from exhaustion and worry. He shared his wish that all he wanted was just another Thanksgiving with his wife. Kevin, our kitchen manager, having watched over this couple for weeks, serving meals to them both, listened and understood. On Thanksgiving Day with the greatest of pleasure, Kevin served a full meal to them in their room. Everything from roasted turkey to pumpkin pie.

Later, another heartwarming moment occurred. A family of 5 gathered in the dining room to enjoy the traditional dinner with their loved one. Welcomed by a beautifully set table, the doors were closed and they were served their private dinner. Kevin says “It is not just a job for so many of us. It is a privilege—a privilege to be in these people's lives at such an intimate, yet short period of their journey”.

The holiday cooking starts in early November and continues through the New Year, with pumpkin pies, cranberry bread, and other seasonal favorites. Kevin says he knows not everyone will make it through the holidays, so he and Aaron, the other cook at Celia’s House, bake something special whenever they can—evoking memories of holiday time with the scents and flavors so familiar to all.
SOFH 2022 Holiday Party at Celia's House
Staff, volunteers, and board members enjoy gathering around the fire on the back patio of Celia's House, visiting with one another for hours.
Delicious homemade sweet treats made by Kevin, Celia's House Kitchen Manager, and Aaron, one of our cheerful and kind cooks.
Lynn (left), one of our treasured volunteers, with Eleanor, our wonderful volunteer coordinator.
Fast-Facts About Hospice

There are a lot of misunderstandings about hospice, and education is an important part of the mission of Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice.
Here are some common misconceptions:

Hospice administers morphine to speed up death -
False. Morphine may be used in small doses to help patients feel more comfortable. It is not used in large enough doses for patients to become addicted or sedated.

Hospice hurries death -
False. Studies and reports find that people on hospice actually live longer with the support of the team than those who choose not to use hospice.

An intense pain is just a part of dying - False. While pain often is part of the dying process, hospice care professionals are trained to help manage pain at the end of life. Professional staff recognize what stage of the end of life process the patient is at, and adjust their care accordingly.
We are Here to Help. Please Give Us a Call.
Our team understands the holidays can be a difficult time, and we recognize that caregiving at the end of life can be challenging. For questions about admissions or other support, please call (650) 743-7997. For general information, please call (541) 500-8911 or email us at info@sofriendsofhospice.org.

Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice & Celia's House
Mailing Address: 217 S. Modoc Ave., Medford, OR 97504

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