FAITH IN ACTION
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FAITH IN ACTION |
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In July of 2002, Hospice of the Upstate was serving a growing number of patients and families. The Callie & John Rainey Hospice House had just doubled its capacity, new staff was being brought on board, and our volunteers needed reinforcements and support! We were determined to ensure that volunteer caregiving services would be available to terminally ill patients and their families throughout the Upstate. It was a natural step to seek a partnership with the more than 400 faith communities serving our area in order to reach this goal. With the help of a Robert Wood Johnson Faith in Action Grant, Hospice of the Upstate hired a Faith in Action Project Director to focus on volunteer recruitment within the faith communities. The first training was held in October of 2002. It was a success, as people who were active in their church or temple committed to being the liaison to the church leaders and congregations. Hospice of the Upstate also developed a Faith in Action Coalition, leaders from around the county and community that could help guide Hospice on this journey. The major goal of the Faith in Action program was to educate the individual church representatives on what services are available from Hospice of the Upstate. They were also taught how to “talk to church members” about Hospice of the Upstate services. The awareness that this group of volunteers created is evidenced by the increase in patient care referrals from patients, families, and the community. There have been many wonderful accomplishments through this program. Each church has the ability to choose how to work with Hospice of the Upstate. Some include us in their missionary budget on an annual basis, some take up collections to assist in paying patient’s utility bills. Others collect needed items such as hospital gowns, strawberry Boost, baby wipes and blankets. The Hospice staff rejoices in the generosity of these churches and volunteers. There are many times we aren’t sure how we will be able to help a family; then a Faith in Action Volunteer steps forward, and meets the need. |
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Hospice of the Upstate 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621 864-224-3358 or 800-261-8636 fax 864-328-1132 |
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