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,
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We hope this message finds everyone well and staying safe. DEHV is doing its best to provide compassionate hospice volunteer care where needed in Washington County during the pandemic.
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DEHV is working with a limited group of hospice volunteers who are providing hospice clients
with in-person visits. We are following all Covid-19 safety protocols.
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The clients we have in facilities are still having visits from outside their window! Even birthday parties have been celebrated from outside the client's room - through a window.
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One of our volunteers created a garden outside her hospice client's window this Spring. Annuals have now been replaced with mums and the volunteer visits often to tend the garden and fill the bird feeders.
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No hospice volunteer is obligated to take on a client unless they are completely comfortable
doing so and following all the safety protocols.
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The need for home care continues to grow as gravely ill community members choose to stay home,
rather than moving into a facility.
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You can stay in touch with Down East Hospice Volunteers by visiting this site,
our blog, and our Facebook page.
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Sincerely,
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Barbara Barnett/Director of Volunteer Services
Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County
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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.
2020 Hospice Volunteer Graduates
On November 6th, four community members completed a 25-hour hospice volunteer training. DEHV is state-licensed making the training classes mandatory to become a hospice volunteer. During this difficult time of the pandemic, we are unable to plan very far ahead. We hope to be able to offer another hospice volunteer training in the Spring.
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For more information about our services and how to become a hospice volunteer, please peruse this site and feel free to call us anytime at 454-7521 ext. 126 with inquiries. You can download
an application directly from the menu bar under Volunteer Training.
From left to right, Carolyn Mahar from Dennysville, Fran Mulcahy from Charlotte, Karen Kiefer from Baileysville, Jane Danforth from Machias, and Barbara Barnett, Director of Volunteer Services. Two others, Carrie Morrell and Dolly Newcomb, who were not able to complete training at this time, will do so soon.
DEAR DOWN EAST HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS AND FRIENDS
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Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County has sent out a notice that may be helpful to you or someone you know.
Please feel free to share this information.
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Pre-registration is required by December 4th - see instructions below:
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For those grieving, the holiday season can be particularly challenging, and this is especially true during this difficult time. Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County is offering a special program of support for those who are grieving during this season. Everyone is welcome to join in.
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Saturday, December 12th, from 9:45 - 12:00, online via Zoom, and free of charge.
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The program will include a remembrance service, focused group support, and the gifts of community and connection
during these isolating times.
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To pre-register, call 207-667-2531 or email
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Thank you and please continue to stay safe.
Barbara Barnett / Director of Volunteer Services
Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County
Down East Hospice Volunteers is pleased to welcome our new Office Manager,
Carrie Morrell.
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Carrie will be in the office on Mondays and Thursdays
from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
and on
Friday from 12 to 5 p.m.
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We check our phone messages and emails regularly so please feel free to leave a message with your contact information and someone will call you back as soon as possible.
Honey Beer for Hospice, Lubec Brewing Co.
Read our new blog article
Volunteer Hospice Care
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for our community members. All of our services are provided at no charge to the residents we serve.
What's New for November
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It is National Hospice Month. Hospice is not a place but high-quality care that enables patients and families to focus on living as fully as possible despite a life-limiting illness.
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Down East Hospice Volunteers is accepting new hospice referrals.
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Cancer support meetings are set up on a confidential Zoom meeting site.
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Bereavement follow-up will continue to be by mail and phone - no in-person visits at this time.
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Amazon Smile - A charity program on Amazon where you have the opportunity to register Down East Hospice Volunteers as your charity of choice. Every order will prompt an automatic donation by Amazon to DEHV. You can support DEHV every time you shop online. Please scroll down for more information and a convenient link to sign up or change your charity preference.
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Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County
is pleased to share...dd
Maine Cancer Foundation
has awarded a grant of
$8,000 to the
Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center
to support cancer patients
living in Washington or Hancock County,
impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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These grant funds will address immediate needs
of cancer patients during
this unprecedented time.
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The Beth C. Wright Center will use $4,000 of
this grant to offer direct financial support
of up to $250
to cancer patients that can be used for food,
housing, healthcare or other costs.
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Please make referrals directly to
Beth C. Wright Center
for individuals who might benefit from this grant.
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Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center
P.O. Box 322
Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 664-0339
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Raffles Tickets Still Available
for Two Exquisite Items
Yo-Yo Quilt
This beautiful Yo-Yo Quilt was donated to Down East Hospice Volunteers and created by Carol Flores from Whitneyville, ME. This quilt has over 1000 hand made circles and measures 90 inches by 100 inches
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The tickets for this raffle are $1 each or six tickets for $5 and can be purchased by calling our DEHV office. See contact info below.
Victorian Dollhouse
Gorgeous handcrafted Victorian dollhouse can be yours! It would make the perfect Christmas gift. Raffle tickets are still available and the drawing will be held in December.
Tickets are only $2 each or three tickets for $5.
Please visit our blog to learn more about this exquisite house and to view additional images of the intricate interiors. It really is something quite special.
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop AmazonSmile, you'll find the same convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
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By clicking the link on your left, you will be directed to AmazonSmile where you can choose Down East Hospice Volunteers as your preferred charity. If you are new to AmazonSmile, you can sign up on this same page.
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Our fundraising events and raffles are a major part of being able to continue servicing the county and AmazonSmile is another way where you can make a difference.
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Happy Shopping!
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