Quarterly Update: Fremont Compassion Home |
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On March 6, 2021 the Compassion Home opened its doors for a long awaited showing of the progress in Fremont. The long anticipated wait is over! Watch the transformation! |
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White Cloud Tree of Life Dedication |
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Compassion Home Officers Remember and Honor
On May 14, 2021 the Officers and special friends of the Compassion Home came together to remember and honor the final 33 guests of 88 served in our White Cloud Home. As we transitioned to Fremont we honored and shared special memories of all the guest served in the White Cloud home. When we left, we left no memory or soul behind. The Fremont home is built on the foundation of those we served in the beginning stages of our mission in White Cloud.
It was a difficult decision to consider to only operate out of our Fremont home, however, after careful consideration and not being able to serve our community 100% it it was decided to operator out of Fremont and offer EOL care and respite care.
While we have loved the home in White Cloud and are so thankful for the guests and families that we were able to serve through the use of this home, the decision was made to continue our work from the Fremont location. Several factors have played into this decision, including the financial constraints that would come with managing two households, as well as the challenge of increasing staffing and volunteer levels to maintain both homes. Needless to say, COVID-19 has made our fundraising efforts this year difficult, as it stunned our community outreach for much of this past year and has made it difficult to foster the volunteer program. Transitioning to one home versus utilizing both homes has been a difficult decision, but financially, it is the correct thing to do at this time as we look towards sustaining our mission and continuing to serve the people of the county for years to come.
With all things in life-change is inevitable and our new home will provide us with the ability to be more present on a daily basis. Opportunities that we will be able to focus on at the newly renovated location are exciting! The Fremont home has four large guest rooms, a new training/meeting room to teach new incoming staff and volunteers, a large great room with plenty of places to sit and relax, and an onsite Chapel to offer a quiet place to reflect. We are fostering relationships with local colleges/universities to bring in nursing students for end-of-life care curriculum and look to build our volunteer base.
We want to give a special “Thank You” to the community of White Cloud for embracing the Compassion home from day one, and although the new location is just a short drive away, the community of White Cloud will always be close to our hearts.
*To watch the dedication click on Tree of Life Image.
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Join us for a weekly one-hour tour of the Compassion Home to learn more about our mission, vision and how you can become part of this grassroots and community driven effort. Hear what free services are offered and how you or a loved one could benefit if Hospice care should ever be needed.
Registration is necessary so we can plan accordingly. Contact Diane to schedule for an in-person tour of the Compassion home at 231-750-0872 or send email to dr.compassionhome@gmail.com.
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Compassion Home Shepherd Volunteers
The Compassion Home is excited to have these three young Shepherds and their mother helping us maintain our bird sanctuary! They will be coming weekly to help replenish and stock the bird feeders, bird baths and more! Thank you, Madison, for leading by example and showing your children the benefits and rewards of volunteering at such a young age!
If you would like to donate towards the sanctuary up keep, we can always use birdseed, humming bird and Oriole feeders!
It takes a community!
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Volunteer Opportunities
We value time and talent!
The Volunteer Gift ~ A helping hand, a willing heart, sometimes that's all it takes. A simple gesture on someone's part, but what a difference it makes. That's just the kind of gift you give, over and over each day, And we'll always be glad that you've chosen to live in such an unselfish way.
~Author Unknown
NCCH is always looking for passionate and loving volunteers.
For more information and an application, please call Diane at 231-750-0872. Some of our volunteer opportunities include the following:
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Patient/Family/Home Support
Home/Non-Patient Services Support
Home/Yard Maintenance
House Aides
Special Events
Advisory Committees
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Indoor Plant Support
Donation Pick-Up/Deliveries
Marketing/Development
Grant Writing
Volunteer Coordination
Goods Donation Coordinator
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Support NCCH - Day Sponsors |
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Preserving Memories of Deceased Loved Ones
As we navigate the grief and loss of someone we have loved, many concerns pass through our minds…how will we function without them, how do we move forward, how do we let go, and how do we remember them and all they have taught us? While all these concerns are valid the focus of this article is two-fold, preserving their memory and preserving the Compassion Home mission.
While researching this article, many great suggestions were discovered to help us stay connected. An article by Marie Curie Talkabout, published by Poppy Dillon suggests starting a memory journal, creating a memory box, making a mixtape of their favorite songs, or making one of their favorite or unique recipes. Another blog suggested mentally picturing a specific memory, creating a scrap book, storytelling, putting together a memory quilt or planting a tree.
The Newaygo County Compassion Home loves all these ideas, and we have our own unique suggestion that will preserve our mission and honor our loved ones. In an effort to continue to serve others we have initiated a “Day Donor” program.
Sponsoring a day at the Compassion Home is one of the most deeply personal ways you can support the mission; to provide compassionate loving support to the terminally ill in a peaceful, comfortable home setting while caring for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our guests and their families. A Day Sponsorship allows you to honor a spouse, friend or loved one, for any reason or to mark any occasion.
Your Day Sponsorship includes a customized spot on our web site and Facebook page. You provide the information that you would like to share about your loved one. Giving in memory of someone helps keep their memory alive by focusing on the beauty of their life. Sharing in honor of someone allows you to share the reasons that make them special. You also get to choose the day you would like to sponsor, perhaps a birthday or the day they left this earth to continue their journey.
Your Day Sponsor gift of $60.00 per month ($720 per year) represents what it costs to operate the Compassion Home each day. Day Sponsorship is the best way to keep the mission sustainable for years to come. We are continually amazed at how the mission blesses so many; our guests and their families, the staff, volunteers, partners and the entire community as we provide quality end of life care options.
Visit our website at www.newaygocountycompassionhome.org or the attached link to view a “Day Donor” memory. Our goal is to engage 365 Day Donors each year. Will you help us achieve our goal? It takes a community…
Ann LaPres-Hindes, Board Treasurer
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Upcoming Events
September 9, 2021
On Thursday September 9, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Newaygo County Compassion Home is hosting Dinner on the Deck 2021. Please consider joining us for an evening of dinner, cocktails and music on our wonderful spacious deck located at 20. South Stewart Avenue in Fremont, Michigan. Learn more about what the Compassion Home has accomplished already. More to come at a later date!
October 29, 2021
On Friday, October 29, 2021 the Compassion Home we will be hosting our 6th Annual Gathering of Compassionate Friends at the Dogwood Center for the Performing arts from 6pm - 9pm. This event will include a silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres along with a short program. This free event is open to the public 18 years and older. More information to come at a later date.
If you are interested in volunteering to coordinate these events, please contact Diane at 231-750-0872.
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Newaygo County Compassion Home | 231-750-0872 |
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