Greetings!

September always feels like a good time to slow down a bit and get a few things in order before the weather changes. One of those things we don’t typically talk about or know how to talk about is getting our planning in order. Whether it’s estate planning, advanced directive planning or even just having an open conversation about our wishes—these plans and conversations really are an important gift we can give the people we love.

In hospice, we see how much easier things can be for families when they’ve had conversations ahead of time about what they want, who they trust to make decisions, and what’s most important to them. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to have all the answers. Often, starting the conversation is the biggest step. Please join us at one of our workshops to get started. We have estate planning workshops, 5 wishes workshops and even a fun Death Deck card game event planned to help you get these conversations underway.  

Follow us on social media or check out our events page online for all the upcoming events. We share helpful information, community happenings, and little glimpses of the amazing people who make up our hospice family. We’d love to help you plan – or even help you plan to plan 😊 

Here’s to heading into Autumn with a plan!

Heidi Wingo

Executive Director

TUESDAY

SEPT 29

4:00-5:00PM

Making plans for the future is one of the most caring things we can do for ourselves and the people we love.

Foothills Compassionate Care invites the community to join us for a FREE Estate Planning Workshop to help you better understand the important legal and financial decisions that can provide peace of mind and protect your wishes for the future.

The latest edition of Volunteer Voice is now available!

Take a look at what’s happening across our volunteer community, including upcoming training opportunities, ways to get involved, photos and highlights from the past quarter, and important updates for our volunteer team.

Read the Fall 2026 edition on our website, or pick up a printed copy at the Foothills Compassionate Care office. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to catch up and see what’s ahead!

Over halfway sold!

Light has always been a symbol of hope, comfort, and guidance. This year, Gathering Light reflects the power of bringing people together around a shared purpose — illuminating the path for individuals and families navigating life’s most challenging chapters.

This magical night includes:

• Live auction
• Raffle
• Signature beverages
• Catering by Antonio's
• Dame Cicely Awards

There’s always something happening at Foothills Compassionate Care — and social media is one of the best ways to stay in the loop. Follow us for stories from our community, program updates, upcoming events, ways to get involved, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make our work possible.

Breakfast Club

August 19

We gathered with other local senior care providers to network and collaborate.

Grass Valley Chamber Mixer

August 20

We joined old friends and new for a beautiful evening at 174 Winery.

Mini-Horse Visit

August 23

Our mini-horse volunteers brightened residents' day at Cascades Senior Living Community!

Barbara Schmidt Millar Triathlon

August 31

Foothills Compassionate Care staff members and friends ran, swam and biked at the return of this annual event.

Nevada County Economic Resource Council

September 3

We enjoyed a presentation from Dr. Scott Neely and Kristal Caballero of Community Health Span.

Falls Prevention Summit

September 11

We joined Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation at their annual Falls Prevention event, providing information and resources to local seniors.

Nevada City Rotary

September 11

Liz and Hilary presented to Nevada City Rotary on upcoming community education events.

Community Insight

SEPTEMBER 23 | 9-10am

Join us at 9am the 4th Wednesday of every month, as we chat with Tom Fitzsimmons about all things Foothills Compassionate Care.

Pricing & Pizza Party

SEPT 24 & 25 | 9am-Noon, Noon-3pm

Join us at the Grass Valley Gift & Thrift to make some progress on the massive amount of donations ready for the floor, and enjoy some pizza while you're there! No experience required.

Death Deck & Drafts

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES

SEPT 27 | 1:30pm

The Death Deck is a playful card-based conversation tool that makes it easier to talk about the things we don’t always know how to talk about - our values, wishes, memories, and what matters most.

Highlights:

• Good beer from Grass Valley Brewing Co.
• Meaningful conversations

Plan Ahead:

Protect What Matters Most

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES

SEPT 29 | 4:00pm

Foothills Compassionate Care invites the community to join us for a free Estate Planning Workshop, presented by Ali Goff of Goff Legal. This informative and approachable workshop will help you better understand the important legal and financial decisions that can provide peace of mind and protect your wishes for the future.

Patient Support

Volunteer Training

5-DAY ORIENTATION

OCT 5-9

Our 5-day training program thoroughly prepares volunteers to work with our patients, families, caregivers and all those we serve.

Schedule:

October 5 (Mon): 8:30am-2:30pm

October 6-9 (Tues-Fri): 8:30am-12:30pm

Volunteer Services Include:

• Friendly visitor
• Caregiver respite
• Office support / Front reception
• Gift & Thrift stores
• Pet visitor program
• Vet-to-Vet program
• Dying Vigil program
• Spiritual Care program
• Bereavement program
• Fundraising / Special Events
• Light housekeeping
• Special skills (massage therapist, reiki, healing touch, musician, cosmetologist, etc)

Care Without Burnout

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES

OCTOBER 28 | 9:00-10:30am

Caring for someone you love during a difficult chapter can feel overwhelming. 

There are so many decisions, emotions, responsibilities, and questions. It can be easy to lose sight of your own needs along the way.

Support can make the journey feel lighter.



Join seasoned hospice professionals and experienced family caregivers who have walked this path and understand what it means to care for a loved one while trying to care for yourself.

Are You a Legacy Donor?

If you have included Foothills Compassionate Care in your estate plans, we would love the opportunity to thank you, welcome you into our Legacy Circle and ensure your gift is used exactly as you intend.

Please complete our Estate Plan Intention form, so that you may be recognized and recorded.