Community Hospice, the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice provider in the Central Valley, celebrated and recognized its volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Award Ceremony on April 18. All volunteers received a special certificate of recognition. Several volunteers were recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the mission of Community Hospice and four dedicated volunteers were awarded the 2017 Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Volunteer of the Year Award.
Named after the co-founder of Community Hospice, the Mary Jean Coeur-Barron awards are given each year to four volunteers for their outstanding service and spirit of excellence. One volunteer is chosen from the following: Community Hospice, Friends of Community Hospice, Community Hospice Hope Chest Thrift Stores and Camp Erin of the Central Valley.
The Community Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Ms. Ronna Proges. She provides compassionate grief support to members of the community through the Community Hospice Grief Support Services Department. She also bakes delicious treats for the patients and families at the Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Proges has been nicknamed the “baking angel.”
The Friends of Community Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Mrs. Carol Mulrooney, current Social Chair of the Friends of Community Hospice. She has served in many capacities to support the fundraising efforts and mission of Community Hospice. She has played a significant role in the success of Friends of Community Hospice Annual Card Party, the Fantasy of Trees event as well as others.
Lillian Chua was awarded the Hope Chest Thrift Store Volunteer of the Year honors. She has been volunteering with Community Hospice for nearly 20 years. Chua’s ongoing dedication to the mission of Community Hospice is a source of inspiration to her fellow volunteers.
The Camp Erin of the Central Valley volunteer award was presented to Jason LeBeouf. He has served as a cabin buddy at camp for the past four years. His dedication to supporting the campers along their grief journey has been a blessing to many in the community.
In 2017, more than 500 volunteers contributed 22,044 hours in support of the Community Hospice mission.
“Volunteers are the heart of Community Hospice and we are blessed to have so many community residents give their time and talent to support our mission,” said C. DeSha McLeod, President and CEO of Community Hospice. “We are grateful for all our volunteers that help support our patients and their families, and the programs we provide our communities.”
Community Hospice is the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley. Serving the community since 1979, Community Hospice has cared for thousands of friends and neighbors offering compassionate and quality care, education and support to terminally ill patients and families, regardless of ability to pay. Care extends to over 2000 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities and at the 16-bed inpatient Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides grief support services to anyone in the community.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or any of Community Hospice’s programs or services, visit hospiceheart.org or call 209-578-6300.
