Hospice of Acadiana Newsletter–August 2006
Shelter Against the Storm
The 29th of this month will mark the first anniversary of one of the worst natural disasters ever to visit the United States. With a death toll of over 1,000, the displacement of hundreds of thousands, and property damage reaching into the billions of dollars, Hurricane Katrina, along with her sister storm Rita, certainly changed the way of life in the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama for years to come, if not forever. As we approach August 29, let us pause for a moment in prayer to reflect on those who lost their lives or homes, to honor those who responded so unselfishly and heroically, and to ask God’s protection from future storms.
Nine in a Row
We are not talking about the lives of a cat here, but a significant recognition for HOA. On June 20, editors of the Times of Acadiana officially announced the selection of Hospice of Acadiana as the Number One Volunteer Agency in Acadiana, based on a survey of Times readers. 2006 marks the 9th year in a row that we have been chosen for this honor.
The ranking of HOA in this annual poll serves as testimony to the appreciation, which the community has for the work of our volunteers and as a sign of respect for the job our staff in Volunteer Services do in managing our volunteer program.
A Fundraising Fiesta
The Spring fundraising season for Hospice of Acadiana officially came to an end June 22 with a Fundraising Fiesta at Vermilionville to thank those volunteers who had worked on the cookbook, plant sale, vehicle giveaway, or telethon and to celebrate the results of their efforts.
Becky Credeur, special event coordinator for the Hospice Foundation of Acadiana reported that cookbook sales through the end of May added up to $16,600. Gross sales from the plant sale totalled $49,000. Donations received during the Hospice TelEvent 2006 amounted to $10,600. And ticket sales in the 2 Good 2 Be True Giveaway equalled $115,640. That is a grand total of $191,840 raised for Hospice of Acadiana!
In addition, Jennifer Bordelon, volunteer coordinator for the Foundation, noted that 236 volunteers had donated 1,508 hours of service to the Spring fundraising events.
Spirituality & Aging
Hospice of Acadiana, the Center on Aging at Lafayette General Medical Center, and the Diocese of Lafayette will sponsor the third of an eight-part workshop series on Spirituality and Aging, on August 25. Conducted under the auspices of the Center For Spirituality and Aging in Anaheim, California, this program features some of the nation’s leading researchers and educators in the field of Spirituality and Aging.
Topic for the August workshop will be Tools For Spiritual Care. Guest presenter will be Rev. Robert Rost, DMin, pastor of the Nativity of Mary Parish in Independence, Missouri. Fr. Rost obtained a Doctorate of Ministry from the Catholic University of America. He has authored several publications including a dissertation entitled “A Holistic Model of Parish Ministry With Older People.”
This hands-on course will allow participants to explore various techniques of spiritual care through case studies and will focus on effective patterns of spiritual care across organizational departments and within congregations.
Times for the workshop will be 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with a break for lunch. Location will be the Immaculata Center of the Diocese of Lafayette, 1408 Carmel Avenue in Lafayette.
Cost for attending is $50.00, plus an additional $15.00 for those seeking CEU credit and $7.00 for those who wish to purchase lunch onsite.
For more information, call Mike Blanchard at 237-1332, ext. 2236.
A Singin’ Swingin’ Sisterhood
You have heard some of them perform barbershop quartet numbers at the December holiday auction and potluck luncheon and at the kick-off party for our 2 Good 2 Be True Giveaway. Now, you can experience the full range of their talent and volume. We’re talking about the Voice of Vermilion Chorus featuring our own Beverly Colomb, who is serving as chairperson of this year’s show.
The Chorus, which is part of Sweet Adelines International, will present their fall concert with two performances on Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23 — both at 7:30 p.m. and both at Angelle Hall on the campus of UL Lafayette. Admission
is $15, and for tickets sold through the HOA office, Hospice of Acadiana will receive 50% of the proceeds, or $7.50 per ticket.
For more information, call the Hospice Foundation of Acadiana office at 237-1332, ext. 1132.
New Volunteer Training
Jennifer has planned a one-day training for new volunteers on September 25, in the HOA Conference Center. Times will be 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with a break for lunch. Please spread the word among friends who might be interested in joining the Number One Volunteer Agency in Acadiana and have them contact Jennifer at 237-1332, ext. 3415.
Support Groups
Hospice of Acadiana, through our Center For Loss & Transition, is hosting two support groups for persons who have experienced the loss of a loved one through death. One group meets Tuesdays at 12:00 noon; the other every other Tuesday at 5 p.m. Both at the Hospice of Acadiana office, 2600 Johnston St. in Lafayette. Led by professional grief counselors, the groups are open to the public and free of charge. For more information or to join a group, call Mary Lahey, LPC, LMFT at 237-1332, ext. 2267 (noon group) or Kay Bray, LCSW at ext. 2265 (afternoon group).
Volunteer In-service
Thursday, August 17 is the date for the next monthly volunteer in-service in Lafayette. Guest speaker will be Shirley Vondenstein, and her topic will be How Our Thoughts Affect Our Physiology. Starting time is 12:00 noon. As always, lunch will be served and guests are invited. Please be sure to call Jennifer at 237-1332, ext. 3415 by 4:30 p.m. on August 15 to let her know you plan to attend. That way, she can order enough food for lunch.
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