This year we celebrate the 35^th anniversary of Community Care Northumberland as a charitable not-for-profit organization.  What began as a humble grass roots movement in various communities across Northumberland County some 35 years ago has evolved into the thriving organization you give your time and expertise to, in one or more key service areas – transportation, nutrition, in-home services, wellness and hospice. With a staff of 70 full and part time employees alongside 575 volunteers, we are proud to act as a resource to both clients and their caregivers. 

While hospice services is housed within Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, it is a program that is owned and operated by Community Care Northumberland, whose  Board of Directors  oversees the strategic direction of the agency. In addition, a Foundation has been established to raise funds specifically for hospice services, both in the residence and in the community. The Foundation has received charitable status, with its own registered charitable number (751801531RR0001), under the name of Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation.

On November 24^th a public funding announcement was made by M.P.P. Piccini, to expand from 6 to 10 beds at Ed’s House, plus an increase in operational funding for our existing 6 beds. We are thrilled to realize our vision for a 10 bed hospice and hope to  begin construction in February.

I am thrilled to be a part of this newsletter and commend Nancy and Katie on the first edition! It will include hospice specific news and events, with a regular staff and/or volunteer highlight. We hope you enjoy reading it.

As always, we are most grateful for your contributions, and appreciate every hour of time you are able to share with us.

Sending warm wishes and safe travels throughout the busy month of December. 

Direct Support Workers assist the residents at Ed’s House. Providing company to the residents and relief/support to the family members. 

Reception Volunteers are the faces that are seen first when the visitors enter Ed’s House for the first time and every time after that. The value of this volunteer position is unmeasurable. 

It is often said the kitchen is the heart of the home. This is true at Ed’s House. We are always looking for volunteers to add to Ed’s House Kitchen Team.

Bereavement Group Facilitators

In conjunction with our Bereavement Counsellor,

we are always needing volunteers to assist in

facilitating our Bereavement support groups.

Community Visiting Hospice Volunteers

Thank you to our community volunteers for driving to various homes throughout our county providing much needed respite for caregivers and a friendly face for the clients we serve.

If you have time once a week to sit with a client for 1-3 hours, get to know them and their families, it is a truly rewarding experience. 

Email Katie at kstevenson@commcare.ca for more information on these opportunities