Spring 2019 Newsletter

In the Fall of 2017, a chaplain with extensive experience working with veterans gave a presentation at Clarehouse. Following that presentation, Clarehouse began a veteran’s appreciation program recognizing veterans for their service in the Armed Forces of the United States. A military history checklist is now included for all veterans as they are admitted as Clarehouse guests. This checklist evaluates the impact of their experience. Veterans are asked such questions as what war and branch they served in and whether their service included combat or other dangerous and/or traumatic assignments. According to the Veterans Administration, approximately one out of every four Americans who die each year is a veteran.

Veterans may face unique issues at the end of their lives as memories resurface. Memories of war and of the violence that was perpetrated on them or that they necessarily perpetrated on others during their service to our country can cause great distress. At the end of life, feelings of intense guilt and responsibility, fear, anger, anxiety and stress can rise to the surface causing veterans to wrestle with emotions they may have buried for decades.

As a veteran myself, I was asked if I would present certificates of appreciation for service to guests who are veterans and their families. The certificates state “We are grateful for your service to country by courageously protecting our freedom, liberty and independence.”

I feel deeply honored to be allowed to make these presentations in recognition of their service and have had fascinating conversations with the veterans and their families. I believe this is another aspect of the Clarehouse commitment to provide caring compassion to all of our guests and their families. Kim Stover, Volunteer

FOCUS ON GIVING

The gift of Clarehouse is provided to families in need at no charge thanks to the generosity of our donors. Join us in ensuring the future of Clarehouse by becoming part of The Circle . The Circle is a group of dedicated donors who believe in the mission of Clarehouse and commit to giving annually.

Becoming a member of The Circle has many benefits including

Helping Clarehouse establish long-term sustainability.
Helping reduce fund-raising costs.
Providing memorial garden stones or tiles for families who cannot afford these on their own.
Receiving permanent recognition in the Clarehouse garden.
Attending an annual Circle members only reception at Clarehouse with board members and staff.
Receiving updates published exclusively for Clarehouse’s most loyal supporters.
No more bi-annual fundraising letters!

If you are interested in joining The Circle, please contact Melanie Craddock at 918.893.6150 or [email protected].

IMPACT

Clarehouse leaves an impact on families we serve that can be felt long after our guests are gone. Each day we receive cards and phone calls from previous guest’s family members who express their gratitude and the impact that Clarehouse has had on their lives. Everyone at Clarehouse, from volunteers to caregivers to administrative staff, gives their all to ensure that our guests feel compassion and kindness, and we love hearing the words of grateful families. A family member whose son spent his final days with us said that during her time at Clarehouse she “ felt like I was surrounded by angels ”. A daughter expressed her gratitude for the care her mother received at Clarehouse, and when speaking of the final days that she and her sister spent with their mother she said, “ we were allowed to be her daughters, instead of her caregivers. ” Another member of the Clarehouse family let us know that the care her father received during his final days moved her to donate in his memory, and that she will “ never forget the compassion ” shown to her and her family. These words inspire us everyday.

Melanie Craddock, Donor Relations Manager

Last October, we celebrated 15 years of Clarehouse care, and this August marks 10 years in our current home. Many family members, volunteers and staff still remember those early days in our simple apartments as sacred space where we learned to serve and create the loving hospitality that is our legacy. We carried that mission of the heart to our Mingo home and continue to tenderly cultivate this haven of loving care. Through the continued generosity of our community, we work diligently to maintain our home and campus and in the past nine months, a thorough assessment of our home revealed great and varied needs. Gifts and grants have allowed us to repair, replace and upgrade areas of our home that had become dated. We are thrilled to have new beds to enhance comfort and care of our guests, a new video doorbell system to improve our safety and security, a new phone system to replace phased out technology and software, fresh new carpet and paint upstairs and new cabinets in the spa to expand our storage and ease the steps of carestaff. Donors make this possible as we strive to be the best possible stewards of the amazing resource entrusted to us. We cannot say thank you enough!

Kelley Scott, Executive Director

April 16 was National Healthcare Decisions Day . A day to “inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advanced care planning.” We believe having conversations about your wishes for end-of-life care should happen early and often, not during a healthcare crisis. If you missed National Healthcare Decisions Day, don’t worry. We can help you start those conversations with friends and family now. Email [email protected] to learn more.

Britni Smith, Education Director

Join us at After 5, our new social hour on the chapel patio, for light hors d'oeuvres and beverages Tuesday, June 18. Come enjoy our gardens and company around 5:30ish p.m. We’ll even give you a tour! Please call 918.893.6150 to RSVP.

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