Hello Mai Yang,

As we embrace this season, we are reminded that love is the heart of our community and the foundation of all we do at Foothills Compassionate Care. Love is present in every compassionate conversation, in the support shared between caregivers, and in the thoughtful ways we serve one another. It's found in the connections that blossom in our bereavement groups and in the joyful purpose volunteers bring to our patients, families and thriving Gift and Thrift stores.

Community strengthens this love, creating a circle of care where every individual is valued and supported. Together, we nurture resilience, offer hope, and celebrate life in all its beauty.

Thank you for being part of this community where love and compassion thrive. Your continued presence and support remind us that, through connection, we can uplift and sustain one another through all of life’s chapters.

With gratitude,

Heidi Wingo

Executive Director

From time to time we get therapy pets as part of our volunteer department offerings. Usually dogs, these therapy animals visit and bring a lot of joy to our patients.

This is the first time we have had the pleasure of a therapy mini horse to visit patients!

Spirit is a Buckskin (that is the name of her coloring) Miniature Horse, turning 2 on April 2nd. She is 27.5 inches tall and weighs 105 pounds.  As a yearling, she was specifically sought out and bought for volunteer purposes. She was born in Lincoln, California, and comes from a line of Miniature Service Horses.

Spirit is smart, sweet, and gentle. She started trick training and is excelling in her new adventure as a Therapy Horse and an ambassador for Foothills Compassionate Care. Spirit brings smiles and compassion with every visit!

Photo: Spirit with her team (left to right) Janet Arnold, Deanne Narduzzi and Mario Narduzzi.

Sometimes, we meet people who leave a lasting impression on our hearts. Bev Werntz, a board member of Foothills Compassionate Care and a lifelong critical care and hospice nurse, shares the story of one such person—Mary Ann Smith.

Bev (in the black shirt) first met Mary Ann (in the striped shirt) about two years ago at the Grass Valley Gift & Thrift Store, where Mary Ann was a dedicated volunteer. Every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., they would start their shift together, sorting through red totes filled with donated items and carefully arranging them on shelves. Mary Ann had an eye for detail, ensuring each piece fit seamlessly into the store’s display. She would often ask Bev, “If you have a minute, could you come look at where I placed this item to make sure it looks nice?” And every time, Bev would smile and assure her it was perfect.

Read more