The “heart of the organization” is the office, with its minimal staff supplemented by local volunteers. “Most things start there,” said Harvey, with the onsite inventory of lending items as well as referrals for grief counseling and CPR training. No matter what the need or request, “the office works hard to find an answer.”The days of shut-ins and seniors are brightened by the Hospice Flowers Program, and the organization provides $500 grants to help qualifying families with funeral expenses. Transportation for medical services now encompass a monthly average of 115 trips, with one month topping 140 rides.The pet therapy program said Harvey has been “a huge success... animals have a special something,” that emotionally benefits all who they make contact with. The River Valley Club is open three days a week to serve clients with special needs who keep active mentally as well as physically, and Harvey proudly showed off a quilt created by club members.Hospice had a busy 2008 with a variety of fundraisers, “a necessary part of Hospice,” said Harvey, and is already finalizing plans for 2009 events. Volunteers and board directors, she added, are an essential Hospice component.Those who would like to regularly contribute to Hospice can do so with no out of pocket cost, courtesy of computer technology: Harvey said www.goodsearch.com is an internet search engine that rewards SCVHHSG with a penny each time it is accessed once the user designates Hospice as the beneficiary. Visit www.goodsearch.com for more information.
Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group celebrates success
February 11, 2009
Santa Paula News
Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group (SCVHHSG) celebrated 27 successful years of providing an array of free services throughout the river valley at their January 21 annual meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSanta Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group (SCVHHSG) celebrated 27 successful years of providing an array of free services throughout the river valley at their January 21 annual meeting. The luncheon meeting was held at Logsdon’s at the Santa Paula Airport.Board Vice President Marilyn Harvey welcomed the attendees that included Hospice directors, volunteers, supporters, and Lilly the Therapy Dog.Hospice provides for the emotional, social and spiritual support to persons with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice also provides everything from equipment loans to respite for caregivers, transportation to medical appointments to home cooked and delivered meals to an extensive library of books, DVDs and cassette tapes.These and other Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group services are offered free of charge, and the nonprofit also operates the low-cost River Valley Club for adults with special needs. “We do a lot,” noted Harvey.
