DOWN EAST HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS
OF Washington COUNTY
45 years of Compassionate Care
info@downeasthospice.org - (207) 454-9204
Dear Volunteers and Friends,
As we begin a new year, I want to thank our volunteers, donors, and community members for the continued support of Down East Hospice Volunteers. For 45 years, our organization has provided free, compassionate support to individuals and families in Washington County during serious illness, end of life, and grief. Every hour volunteered and every contribution made directly supports individuals and families who need this care.
We want to thank the hospice volunteers who give their time and commitment. Volunteers ask for nothing in return and continue to show up for individuals and families throughout the year. They are the heart of our organization, and their dedication makes this work possible.
If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, we will be offering volunteer training in the spring and fall of 2026. Hospice volunteers provide non-medical support such as companionship, reading to clients, running errands, and giving caregivers time away. No medical background or special experience is required, only a willingness to offer time and support to others in the community. If you would like to learn more or have questions about hospice volunteering, please contact us.
Thank you for being part of our mission and for supporting compassionate care in our community. We are grateful for your dedication, and for your continued trust in Down East Hospice Volunteers.
Sincerely,
Arielle Richardson
Executive Director
Down East Hospice Volunteers
(207) 454-9204
To connect with medical hospice in Washington County, please contact
Community Health and Counseling Services at (207) 255-8311
Free Hospice Volunteer Training
October 8, 15, 22 & 29
2:00 to 5:00 PM
Calais Community Hospital
No medical background is needed.
Volunteers do not provide nursing care.
Volunteers choose when and where they serve based on their own availability.
We work with you to find a schedule that fits your life.
All four training dates are required.
What does a hospice volunteer do?
Volunteers provide companionship, practical support, and respite to individuals and families facing serious illness and end of life.
If you would like to join our team of volunteers or have additional questions, please call the office at (207) 454-9204
or
Click here to apply online, or download an application below.
What Does It Mean To Be A Hospice Volunteer?
Are you a good listener? If so, you’re already 90% of the way to becoming a hospice volunteer.
Now is the perfect time to consider joining our team. You’ll have the flexibility to work around your schedule, providing meaningful companionship to our hospice clients without any pressure to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.
Every act of kindness, no matter how small, truly makes a difference - so why not take the first step today?
Contact us to learn more about becoming a hospice volunteer!
Down East Hospice Volunteers announces the winner of a recent raffle to benefit DEHV. Rhoda Dougherty of Perry won a grill graciously donated by Johnson's Tru Value of Calais and a canvas tote of grilling goodies put together by DEHV. Thank you to all who bought raffle tickets and continue to support the wonderful organization.
HONEY BEER FOR HOSPICE
Honey Beer for Hospice
Thank you to Lubec Brewing Co. and Arlene & Mark Wren of Robbinston, who provide the honey for this special beer, DEHV raised $1,200.
Left to right, Mark Wren, Arlene Wren, Barbara Barnett, and Gale White.
Down East Hospice Volunteers Receives $4,000 Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters Grant
Down East Hospice Volunteers proudly accepts the grant award from Bangor Savings Bank.
From left to right
Front row: Judy Dakin, hospice board member and volunteer, Carol Flores, hospice board member and volunteer.
Middle row: Linda Gralenski, hospice board member and volunteer, Maegan Alley, Assistant Branch Manager.
Back row: Molly Sprague, VP Branch Manager, Barbara Barnett, former Executive Director of DEHV Volunteers: Deke Talbot, Diane Clark, and Linda Mills, Dynesha Hooper, teller, Magenta Johnson, teller,
Photo: Sydney Verge, teller
A Volunteer's Comment...
From a recent volunteer commenting upon completion of her training:
" Every class was well prepared and thought-provoking. I feel I gained invaluable knowledge about life as well as some skills I can use to be of use to others. Every adult would benefit from your class."
~ Dawn Loper
New Hospice Volunteer
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please reach out to us. There is a lot of information about the organization and hospice volunteering on this site.
We are always available to answer your questions.
Contact: Arielle Richardson, Executive Director
207-454-9204 E-mail: info@downeasthospice.org
Down East Hospice Volunteers was honored to be recognized
on behalf of the Maine State Legislature
for their volunteer hospice services in Washington County.
This certificate was presented to
Barbara Barnett, Executive Director of
Volunteer Services and Paul Strickland,
a board member and hospice volunteer.
The presenters were Representative Anne Perry and
Senator Marriane Moore, both of whom have been
active supporters of DEHV.
Beth C. Wright offers travel assistance
Online Zoom Cancer Support Group
Caring Bridge shares 14 Life-Changing Tips to Relieve Caregiver Stress.
Please click on the PDF link to read the
e-book.
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Safe Harbor Cancer Support Meetings are set up on a confidential Zoom meeting site.
Call 207-664-0335
In-Person Bereavement Follow-Up:
Please reach out to our office: 454-9204
or by email: info@downeasthospice.org for more information.
Down East Hospice Volunteers
of Washington County
is pleased to announce their
45th anniversary
of providing compassionate care to the county
WHAT'S NEW FOR FALL 2026
2026 Quilt Raffle
Beautiful king size patchwork quilt created by
two local artisans.
Ticket Price: $1 each or 6 for $5
Drawing date: December 2026
For Our Caregivers
We honor the importance of talking about the end of life and encouraging all to reduce the fear and stigma the words hospice and death offer. The link below will bring you to our education page where many articles, recommended reading, videos, and podcasts are available to you without leaving this site. Additionally, Down East Hospice has a library available to their clients in our Calais office.
Please allow a few brief moments for videos to upload after clicking on the link below.
Have You Heard of The Conversation Project?
The guide for families to begin to have the conversation about End of Life wishes.
In addition to some helpful and heartfelt blogs,
they have some wonderful and informative videos on their website for you to start your
own conversation with your loved ones. An "Estate Planning for the heart."
The link below will take you directly to their page.
You can easily become a subscriber to DEHV by providing your email
address.
You may unsubscribe at any time.
Thank you
