FUNDRAISING DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

This past week, news of the spread of coronavirus and of turbulent financial markets has dominated the media and our thinking. As crises like these take center stage, focus on our organizations' missions can often take a back seat. But, sadly, homeless individuals across the state and the country are suffering even more now than ever before. They are living unsheltered in difficult weather and faced with the risks of more illnesses and much less access to health care in the midst of COVID-19!
 
We are helping where we can to address the daily concerns of our homeless men and women during this chaos. And at the same time, we also continue our hard work to raise the money we need to get Joshua’s House Hospice open in our community this year!
 
The City of Sacramento is now committed to addressing the COVID-19 virus and to help those individuals and businesses experiencing economic devastation caused by the virus. In turn, it appears that moneys intended to help those experiencing homelessness while dealing with end of life issues are being diverted to the coronavirus pandemic.
 
It is important that each of you act responsibly, stay safe and healthy – try not to panic – and stay connected via emails, text messages, and phone calls. We also invite your ideas, suggestions, and thoughts about how we can continue to mindfully raise the money we need to complete construction of Joshua’s House Hospice in order to provide the hospice care so desperately needed by those experiencing homelessness.

Marlene von Friederichs - Fitzwater
Retirement has allowed her to give to Joshua's House Hospice
Jean Wigglesworth has volunteered for Joshua’s House for more than 3 years
now and she feels that there is no better way to serve! It was no coincidence that she began as the Board Secretary shortly after she retired from UC Davis. And since then she’s also been a member of
the Sip, Savor, and Sway Gala com-
mittee and she, along with family members, has participated directly in many of Joshua’s House’s fundraising endeavors.

To state that Jean wears many hats would be an understatement. In addition to her work with Joshua’s House, she is also a licensed Interfaith Minister,
a volunteer with Sutter Care at Home, and she recently completed the INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association) training. Says Jean, “My career was always in the service arena, and I was drawn to hospice
after I was with my sister, mother, and my best friend at their end of life.” When Jean heard Marlene’s incredible story and learned about the needs of the homeless population, it just made sense for her to support the organization.

The Joshua’s House mission, to provide a safe home for those experiencing homelessness at the end of their life, is one that Jean feels all should endorse and support. “We will work with each dying person to support them emotionally, spiritually, and physically; and help them spend their last days of life on their terms. Please join me in supporting Joshua’s House by giving of your time, talents, or money” says Jean.

Pictured above is Jean and her husband, Don.
Join Marlene, virtually, on Wednesday, March 25th at 12:00 p.m., for a webinar brought to you by The Coalition for Compassionate Care of California.
Just a reminder that we'll participate in Big Day of Giving 2020 on Thursday, May 7th. More information to come on our theme and how you can help!
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