Each year on the second Saturday in October, we observe World Hospice Day. Internationally and in our own community, this is a time to raise awareness of how hospice can make a difference by providing medical, emotional and spiritual support to everyone in need.
 
Although Hope has served our community for three decades, there are still those who are unaware of how we can help. They do not realize that hospice is about living, and they can be living better and more comfortably even in life's final chapter.
 
You can make life better for others simply by telling them about Hope. In sharing your experiences as a Hope volunteer, you will illustrate how important our work is in the community.
 
The earlier that a person chooses hospice, the more we can help in providing comfort, easing their emotional stress and helping the family to cope. Making more people aware of this is the purpose of World Hospice Day.
 
This is also an appropriate time to express our gratitude to you, our volunteers for making the work of Hope possible.
 
Thank you for all that you do.

Quilts for Sebring: Hope is looking for 2-3, fullsize new quilts for our Hope at Highlands Regional Unit.  These quilts will be used in the Hope at Highlands Regional Program.  If you have unused quilts to donate, please contact Allison Lao.
 
All Areas - Annual Memorial Services: Sunday, November 8, 2009
Memorial Services are offered for Hope families whose loved one has died during the past year.  We are holding services in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Sebring.  Volunteers are needed at each Memorial Service.  If you are interested in helping please contact your volunteer specialist. 

Q: I see and hear about various programs involving Hope.  How can I help spread the word about these services to people in our community? 

A: My answer this month is an answer and a question back to you.  First, the answer: There are many ways we communicate information with the community about what we do.  We provide doctors with education, we offer staff and family education, training in nursing and assisted living homes, we attend community events to increase awareness, and we even do a small amount of advertising in local newspapers.  However, the most effective way to get the word out about Hope, Hospice, and all of our support programs is good old word of mouth.  As a Hope volunteer you are one of our best assets. Sharing your positive experiences with others helps to promote our mission.  Thank you.
 
Now, my question for you:  Have you ever thought, "Hope should or could talk to this group, my church, my club, etc."  If you have, let us know.  We love to tell our story so that we can help people, your neighbors, friends and loved ones.  We are happy to speak to any group about our services, volunteering in general, or even issues specific to the elderly.  If you know who we should contact, please let us know.  We will reach out and try to get a date scheduled.  Or, if you have a date, call us and we will be there!

Tour The Butterfly Estates, Downtown Fort Myers
The Butterfly Estates is a conservatory that showcases the diversity of Florida's butterfly population. Resembling a rainforest, the conservatory houses 1,500 butterflies at any given point of time.

Visitors to the estate are taken by its charm as the gardens are in full bloom with a variety of flowers and plants. We hope you can join us. 
 
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009
Meet at 10:15 a.m.
Tour starts at 10:30 a.m.
Admission and Lunch $21.00 per person
If you are a member your cost is $10.00 
Space is limited. Please reserve your space by November 30.
Call Joe Pardi with questions
 
 
Brown Bag Lunch for Facility Volunteers:
Please Join Barbara and David for a brown bag lunch on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Community Center in North Fort Myers.  Cynthia Reyes, Care Manager, will speak on dementia.  Drinks and dessert will be provided.  Please contact David Kowalski or Barbara Tvedt to sign up.
 
 
Sebring Volunteers Starbucks Meet and Greet!
Please join Allison Lao for a volunteer get together at Starbucks in Sebring on Tuesday, October 27, at 2:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to meet, discuss activities at Hope, mingle with other volunteers, and plan for the future. 

Coffee and munchies will be provided.  Please come and bring a friend.  Contact Allison Lao if plan to attend, to ensure sufficient refreshments are available.

We are going to push some buttons! 
Start looking for our "Ask me about Hope" button campaign.  In observance of National Hospice Month in November, we are asking for your help to increase awareness about Hope Hospice, Volunteers will be provided buttons that read: "Ask me about Hope." We're eager to hear how many people 'ask' about the buttons, and their comments.
 
Buttons will be available at the end of October to all volunteers, along with talking points about Hope Hospice to aid in your response to inquiries. We simply ask that you wear the button throughout the month, and keep a short record of how many people actually 'ask' about the button, and their response. A tracking sheet will also be included with the button. Sheets should be returned to the Volunteer Department at the end of November.  
 
While participation is completely voluntary, we do hope you will be a part of this project.  Buttons will be available at all Hope offices and Hope Chest.  Please contact your volunteer specialist if you have questions or to have a packet sent to you.

 

 

 

 

 

Hope has partnered with Land's End to provide top quality, branded clothing for you. Click on the image above to visit the site where you can purchase official Hope Volunteer Wear.

Hope will be offering flu shots this year to all volunteers at  the following locations.
 
Thursday, Oct 15
Hospice House HealthPark 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
 
Saturday, Oct 17  
Hospice House Cape Coral 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sebring Office 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LaBelle Office 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 
Thursday, Oct 22
Hospice House Cape Coral 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 24
Fort Myers Community Room 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Clewiston Connections Office 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 
If you have questions about the flu shot, please call 239-313-8235 or 1-800-835-1673 and ask for Brenda Colon.