Community Hospice Recognizes Volunteers

April 28, 2017

For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Kristin Mostowski | Director of Public Relations, Community Hospice | Kristin.Mostowski@hospiceheart.org | 209.578.6301

Community Hospice Recognizes Volunteers

MODESTO, CA (April 27, 2017) – Community Hospice the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice provider in the Central Valley celebrated and recognized their volunteers at their annual A World of Thanks Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Award Ceremony on April 12, 2017. All volunteers received a 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 2016 Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Volunteer of the Year Award. Named after the co-founder of Community Hospice, the 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 Mary Jean Couer-Barron Community Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Inez Lewis. Ms. Lewis not only provides compassionate support to patients in their homes, facilities, and at the Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House, she is an outspoken supporter of Community Hospice and has dedicated numerous hours providing education to the community at various community events.

The Mary Jean Couer-Barron Friends of Community Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Mrs. Claudia Krausnick; current president of the Friends of Community Hospice. Mrs. Krausnick has served in many capacities to support the fundraising efforts of Community Hospice Foundation. She has played a significant role in the success of the silent and live auctions for the Foundation Annual Gala, the Santa Shares Breakfast as well as other events.

Mr. Wayne Burton was awarded the Mary Jean Couer- Barron Hope Chest Thrift Store volunteer of the year. Mr. Burton’s passion is serving in the book department at the Community Hospice Hope Chest Thrift store in Oakdale. He spends many hours keeping the books organized so that customers can easily find particular books or authors. Through his endless efforts and dedication, he has sold more than 8,700 books since January 1, 2017.

The 2016 Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Camp Erin of the Central Valley award was given to Mr. Bob Taylor. Mr. Taylor has served as a cabin buddy for Camp Erin for the Central Valley for the past three years. His dedication to supporting our campers along their grief journey has been a blessing to many in our community.

In 2016, more than 500 volunteers contributed 24,413 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 talents 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.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities or any of Community Hospice’s programs or services, visit hospiceheart.org or call 209.578.6300.

Photo Caption: The 2016 Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Volunteer of the Year Award Winners (From Left to Right) Claudia Krausnick, Wayne Burton and Inez Lewis. (Not pictured: Bob Taylor)

About Community Hospice
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 200 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and at the only inpatient hospice facility serving Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, the 16-bed inpatient Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community. For more information, please call (209) 578-6300 or visit hospiceheart.org.

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