Greetings!

The month of April started out with a bang for us here at Foothills Compassionate Care.

Our accrediting body, The Joint Commission, showed up to do a 5 day survey in which they inspected the quality of the care we provide. I am pleased to say that we soared through the survey with flying colors.

This amazing team did what they do, and showed off the quality, compassion and grace in which we go about our work every day. As a community served by this work, I hope this makes you as proud as I am. You have a team of humans putting their best feet forward on a daily basis to bring you phenomenal end of life care. 

Also this month, during volunteer appreciation month we are honored to celebrate the volunteers who are a part of this team. We couldn’t do what we do without them.

We extend heartfelt thanks to this part of our team whose generosity, kindness, and compassionate service bring comfort and connection to so many. Their gifts of time and heart strengthen our work in countless ways.

To our volunteers and staff—thank you for helping our mission take root and flourish across this community we are so proud to serve. 

Heidi Wingo

Executive Director

Tom Daniels

Foothills Compassionate Care Volunteer

In hospice care, time is precious. Most patients are only on service for a matter of months, sometimes just days. Volunteers often join families for a brief but meaningful chapter. That’s why Tom’s relationship with one of our patients is something truly extraordinary.

For the past year and a half, Tom has been a constant — a quiet, dependable presence in the life of a woman whose days have steadily grown smaller. Their visits began the way many companionship visits do: gentle walks around her neighborhood, unhurried and filled with conversation. When her strength changed, their walks moved indoors, circling the hallways of her care facility. Eventually, the visits settled into the comfort of her room, where mobility gave way to stillness but never diminished the connection they shared.

Thank you, Sponsors!

(as of 4/14/26)

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

This Memorial Day Weekend, community is invited to honor loved ones at the annual Butterfly Garden of Remembrance benefiting Foothills Compassionate Care

In a community where neighbors care deeply for one another, few traditions capture that spirit more beautifully than the annual Butterfly Garden of Remembrance, hosted by Foothills Compassionate Care. This cherished Memorial Day weekend gathering invites residents to pause, reflect, and celebrate the lives of those they have loved and lost.

For more than 25 years, the Butterfly Garden has offered a sacred space for healing and remembrance. Families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors are invited to write messages of love, gratitude, and memory on handcrafted butterflies honoring someone who touched their life. These butterflies are placed throughout the garden, creating a breathtaking display—hundreds of colorful wings gently moving in the breeze, each one carrying a story, a memory, and a life remembered.

Important Info

May 23-25

(Memorial Day Weekend)

10am-4pm

Hooper & Weaver

(459 Hollow Wy)

At Foothills Compassionate Care, our volunteers are the heart of our mission. These incredible individuals provide comfort to patients and families during critical times, raise funds through direct mail and retail sales at our Thrift Stores, offer expertise on our Board of Trustees and Board of Directors, sew patient teddy bears, and much more! Their dedication directly enhances the lives of those we serve, ensuring our community members are cared for at the end of life.

Together, we create positive change and real impact one patient at a time. Thank you, volunteers, for your unwavering commitment!

If you're interested in volunteering with us,

please visit https://foothills-cares.org/volunteer/

or contact Volunteer Coordinator Meredith Melgar

at 530.274.5108

April 17, 2026 marked the end of our week-long volunteer training. These dedicated individuals spent the past five days learning and connecting, preparing them for the important work alongside our patients and care staff. As a closing ceremony, we were treated to a demonstration by the Yuba Spirit Threshold Singers, a truly moving experience. Volunteers, you are so very appreciated and we absolutely adore you. Congratulations on your achievement!

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

March 12

We hosted a course where Alzheimer's Association broke down the key signs of Alzheimer's in a simple, friendly way.

Head, Hands & Feet

March 14

Samantha Corsiglia treated us to a workshop on the power of healing touch.

Power of the Purse

February 18

We joined a full house of active community members at Power of the Purse, hosted by Bright Futures for Youth - a powerhouse in Nevada County in support of the young people in our community.

A Day for Women

February 21

We were proud to support and to attend A Day for Women, hosted by Sierra College Nevada County and Soroptimist International Grass Valley. It was a beautiful day of learning new things and supporting one another.

Community Insight

February 25

Meredith (Volunteer Coordinator) and Melissa (Marketing & Events Manager) joined Tom Fitzsimmons on KNCO's Community Insight

Music on Wheels

February 25

In partnership with InConcert Sierra, we brought live music to residents from Atria Grass Valley, Cascades of Grass Valley, Brunswick Village (pictured), Eskaton, Sierra View Senior Living, and Hilltop Commons Senior Living.

The Emerald Duo: Susan Doering (violin) and Dieter Wulfhorst (violoncello) delighted with a program spanning centuries. Through programs like this, music becomes a gift of comfort, connection, and shared humanity.

Wise Ones, Wise Steps
Alta Sierra Senior Fair, 
presented by Alta Sierra Neighborhood Alliance


APRIL 21| 11am-2pm

Please join us for a brand new FREE Senior Fair, geared toward seniors, their families, and their caregivers

Community Insight


APRIL 29 | 4:30-6pm

Join us at 9am on April 29th (usually the 4th Wednesday of every month), as we chat with Tom Fitzsimmons about all things Foothills Compassionate Care.

Rhythm & Vine


MAY 8 | 4-7pm

Join us for an elevated yet relaxed evening at Rough & Ready Vineyard, where live music, great food, and meaningful connection come together for a truly memorable cause. Sip, savor, and celebrate knowing your evening directly supports Foothills Compassionate Care.

Celebration of Lives


MAY 21

As the afternoon settles over the peaceful waters of Lake Wildwood, we will gather to remember those who have touched our lives. This special evening is a time for us to honor and celebrate the lives of those we hold in our memories.

We will honor loved ones who have died on our service this past year (May 2025-April 2026). We will take a moment to speak their names and hold their memories in our hearts.

RSVP required

Butterfly Garden of Remembrance


MAY 23-25

We invite the community to visit over 600 butterfly stakes, placed in the garden with messages affixed, as a way to reflect upon and honor loved ones.

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.