DOWN EAST HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS
OF Washington COUNTY
42 years of Compassionate Care
207-454-7521 EXT. 9126
Down East Hospice Volunteers is the only Washington County all-volunteer non-profit program licensed by the State of Maine, providing free comfort care to residents since 1981
Dear Down East Hospice Volunteers and Friends,
As we approach the coming holidays, Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County, Maine hopes that you will remember others. The New Year is not far off and when you reach out with kind words and caring actions to those who may need your help in your communities, you have given a gift that has no price tag.
Our dedicated hospice volunteers will continue providing compassionate care throughout the holidays, spending time with hospice clients and their caregivers.
Consider becoming a hospice volunteer with Down East Hospice Volunteers in Washington County, Maine, or where you live. Local volunteer hospices need people like you and you will make a difference.
We want to thank our local community and those afar, for the continued support you have given to us during what are complicated times. I want to thank all the hospice volunteers in our organization and around the world who give their time and ask for nothing in return. You are the heart of every volunteer hospice organization.
Barbara Barnett / Executive Director of Volunteer Services
Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County, Maine
Celebrating 42 years of compassionate care.
What Does It Take To Be A Hospice Volunteer?
Are you a good listener? If so, you are 90% on your way to be a Down East Hospice Volunteer of Washington County.
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If you have thought about becoming a hospice volunteer, now is the time. You will never be asked to do anything with which you are uncomfortable. Your schedule can be very flexible, working out the days and times that work for you when you are providing compassionate companionship for your hospice client.
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Every act of kindness, no matter how small, does make a difference. You can make a difference. Join our team. There is no special background needed to volunteer; a medical background is not necessary. Our hospice volunteers are men and women of all ages from all walks of life.
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Call us today to become a hospice volunteer, it is a rewarding experience.
2023 Fall Hospice Volunteer Training
Please note: New Volunteer Training Dates
October 16,18, 20, 24 and the 26th
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**COVID vaccine NO LONGER required
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10:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Calais Community Hospital
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Pre-training interview required
No particular background is necessary. You must have your own vehicle.
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You can make a difference in your community. Consider joining our team and spending time with someone
who would enjoy your company. Both women and men are needed.
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No matter how small, every act of kindness makes a difference.
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If you have questions about this training, please get in touch with our Executive Director,
Barbara Barnett at 207-726-5087
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You may download an application by clicking this link:
2023 Hospice Volunteer Training
"There are 4 kinds of people in the world.
Those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers."
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~ Former First Lady
Rosalynn Carter
2023 Spring Graduates
From left to right, Jeanne Schrumpf, new hospice volunteer from Robbinston, Arlene Wren, long time active hospice volunteer and Reiki Master, Carol Flores, new hospice volunteer and Board member from Whitneyville, Barbara Barnett, Executive Director of volunteer services, Linda Mills, new hospice volunteer from Machias. Front - Travis Brennan, new hospice volunteer from Edmunds.
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Down East Hospice Volunteers is proud to have graduated four new volunteers
who completed a 25-hour training.
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Congratulations to the graduates of the hospice volunteer training.
Each participant brought a unique approach to caring for those at end of life.
DEHV is proud to welcome these compassionate, caring members of the community on board
as fully trained hospice volunteers.
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The venue was graciously provided to us on the campus of Down East Community Hospital.
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DEHV holds two training sessions a year and we are available for questions at any time should you be interested in finding out more about becoming a hospice volunteer.
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Please feel free to reach out to Barbara Barnett, Executive Director at 207-454-7521 x126
We can also be reached through the contact page via this site or by email: downeasthospice@yahoo.com
An application may be downloaded by clicking the link below:
Bulletin Board
WHAT'S NEW FOR OCTOBER?
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Cancer support meetings are set up on a confidential Zoom meeting site. See below for more information.
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Bereavement follow-up is in person once again.
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Annual Quilt Raffle!
This year's quilt is an 80" X 104" beautifully designed Ohio Star quilt created
by Ginny Sirois of Norridgewock, Maine.
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Brenda Lang of Skowhegan, Maine pieced this quilt and generously donated it to DEHV for their 2023 annual quilt raffle. All proceeds go towards the continuing care of our community members.
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The winning ticket will be drawn in early December.
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Tickets are $1 each / 6 for $5 - please contact the office to purchase tickets. 207-454-7521 x9126
BARBEQUE RAFFLE WINNER!
Down East Hospice Volunteers has been chosen for the Machias Hannaford's October Community Bag Program!
A wonderful way to support compassionate care for your community.
Lil Hanscom of Marshfield, ME. won the recent
Down East Hospice Volunteer's raffle - a beautiful
stainless steel grill just in time for summer.
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The grill was donated by Carol Flores and a basket of amazing goodies, created by Stephanie Violette, accompanied the grill. Lil toasts her good fortune while sitting on a friend's tailgate.
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All proceeds to benefit DEHV.
From a recent volunteer commenting upon completion of her training:
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" 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."
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~ 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: Barbara Barnett, Executive Director 207-726-5087 E-mail: barnett1749@roadrunner.com
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Down East Hospice Volunteers was honored to be recognized
on behalf of the Maine State Legislature
for their volunteer hospice services in Washington County.
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This certificate was presented to
Barbara Barnett, Executive Director of
Volunteer Services and Paul Strickland,
a board member and hospice volunteer.
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The presenters were Representative Anne Perry and
Senator Marriane Moore, both of whom have been
active supporters of DEHV.
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Honey Beer for Hospice is a Successful Fund Raiser
The Lubec Brewing Company in Lubec has created 'Honey Beer for Hospice' for the last three years to benefit Down East Hospice Volunteers, the only volunteer hospice program in Washington County. The honey is provided by Mark and Arlene Wren of Robbinston from their hard-working busy bees. The brew is created by Gale White and McGinley Jones, owners of the brewery.
DEHV has provided free compassionate volunteer hospice care since 1981 with support from donations, grants, and fundraisers such as "Honey Beer for Hospice.' The 2022 batch was a delicious, beautiful golden beer. The brew was enjoyed by many from this year's introduction on June 5th, 2022 continuing through the summer and into early Fall.
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From left to right: Mark Wren, Arlene Wren - hospice volunteer, Barbara Barnett, Executive Director of DEHV and Gale White, owner of Lubec Brewing Company. Mark and Gale are holding jars of honey for the upcoming 2023 batch of brew.
If you would like to taste the delicious Honey Beer for Hospice, Lubec Brewing will be open Fridays from
11-5, Saturdays 11-8 pm, and Sundays from 11-5 pm
Down East Hospice Volunteers
of Washington County
is pleased to announce their
42nd anniversary
of providing compassionate care to the county
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.
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You can easily become a subscriber to the DEHV Blog by providing your email
address.
You may unsubscribe at any time.
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Thank you
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