Heartfelt Attention
Eleanor Crescenzi
Volunteer Coordinator
While the role that we fulfill in people's lives can be daunting, it is the act of meeting people in the moment, that defines the care that makes Celia's House exceptional.
I reflect on the care that went into planning Celia's House as I delivered a glass of water to a new resident's spouse. The spouse rests underneath the pergola just outside the sunroom, looking exhausted, conflicted, yet relieved, as the loved ones of new residents often do.
Looking up, I'm surprised to see the two daughters of a former resident sitting in the memorial garden, quietly talking near the fountain and the brick that bears their mother's name.
Returning to the house interior, I overhear Susy in the kitchen, giving her complete attention to a resident's son as he shares with her a list of his mother's favorite foods. I watch the masked front door greeter smile with her eyes as she rubs glitter on the hand of a resident's visiting granddaughter.
All of the beautiful acts of care, support, and attention to the moment have a cumulative effect on those who enter Celia's House, either to live or visit. Every facet of this special place rises regularly to the call of supporting residents and their friends and families.
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With Focus on Accessibility
Dwight Wilson
Executive Director, Administrator
In the last few months, we have reviewed and enhanced our admission process to Celia’s House. We now have 6 of our 12 rooms available for Medicaid recipients. Over half of the residents we serve come from families with low incomes – our admission process has been streamlined to assist families and hospitals to access rooms for those in need in a timely compassionate manner. We are working with everyone who calls and are making home and hospital visits to assist families and facilities during the difficult transition. If you know someone who might benefit or has questions about our home and services, just have them call me at me at 650-743-7997. We are here to answer questions and help support the best decisions for each person.
Governance and Administration
The board held their annual retreat on January 29th to address the requirements and needs of an organization that is transitioning from a start-up to a mid-size non-profit. Under the direction of organization consultant Gates McKibbin, Ph.D., the board has established several goals to meet this challenge for the upcoming year.
Development Director and HUB hire
We have selected our new Development Director. Lily Herwald comes with a vast amount of experience and started this month, with a dynamite assistant coming on board in March. We are currently fully staffed at the Celia’s House and The HUB.
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We are Here to Help, Please Give Us a Call
When faced with the challenges of caring for a loved one in hospice care, we want to make it as easy as possible to become a resident at Celia’s House. We have access to a variety of resources for people who need us.
For assistance, please call Dwight Wilson: (650) 743-7997
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June 29, 1946 – January 23, 2022
Lover of people, supportive, generous, remarkably kind, honored volunteer
By Cheryl French, volunteer
Sadly, Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice acknowledges the death of long-time volunteer and beloved board member David Markewitz.
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David is remembered by all of us who volunteered with him and tried to emulate his passionate commitment to providing dignified end-of-life care.
During his eight years of tireless service on the Board of Directors, David was a member of the Fundraising Committee to purchase Celia's House, assisting in hundreds of tours to generate community interest. He also donated a generous gift to name the Celia's House staff kitchenette in honor of his family.
Two years ago, David was selected to join the organization's Honorary Board. He participated on the Board Development Committee, the Hospice Unique Boutique (HUB) Shop committee, and Celia's House's Policies and Procedure committee. During the pandemic, he became a front door greeter at Celia's House because he wanted to make it easy for visitors to be with their loved ones.
Reflections
Founding Board President Sarah Seybold recounted a story that encapsulated who David was. She said, "He'd meet someone and ask, 'what's good in your life?' and then actively listened to the response. And that would open up a friendship." Friend and fellow Board member Jeanne Denning said, "He had the ability to make everyone feel special."
Former Board President Carolyn Johnson observed that David was a servant leader. "He was always advocating for the staff at the HUB and at Celia's House." Former Celia's House Executive Director, Susan Hearn, fondly remembered that he would bring coffee and baked goods for the talented volunteer team that reset the HUB resale store every Monday.
Recognition of his service to Celia's House will be held in the Memorial Garden and is planned for June, his birthday month. Further details will be announced as they become available.
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Swing by and introduce yourself! The HUB is thrilled to welcome Carlin Mobley, new Assistant Manager, and Emilio Aleman, new Team Member.
- Stay tuned for more details as we expand our social media our presence.
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New items listed on eBay. Visit our eBay store to see some great new specialty items! Check them out here: The HUB eBay store
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Have Questions?
For General Information - Call Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice Administrative Offices:
541-500-8911
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Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice & Celia's House
Mailing Address:
217 S. Modoc Ave., Medford, OR 97504
Check out our Youtube Video Tour:
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