People have the misconception that hospice is only about death. Yes, the hospice concept focuses on helping the terminally ill die in comfort and dignity. But that is only part of the story.
Hospice of the North Coast (HNC) is all about life. About ensuring the highest quality of life for clients as the quantity of days decreases. About educating and enlightening the community. About helping people live every day to the fullest.
Executive Director Nerice Kaufman, believes, "Most of us want a good life, a good death, and support for those we leave behind."
Reaching Out
Each year, HNC presents life-affirming events that draw people together. These include an inspiring spring Butterfly Release and winter Light Up a Life memorial (taking place this year on Dec. 2 at the Museum of Making Music) at which people celebrate the memories of loved ones. A summer Camp H.O.P.E. (Healing Outdoor Play Experience) offers families a full day of activities that enable grieving youngsters to forge friendships with other kids in similar circumstances and find their path to a new normal.
Every day, HNC's team of skilled medical professionals and dedicated volunteers vigorously pursue HNC's mission of maintaining dignity, comfort and the highest quality of life for clients, regardless of financial or life circumstances. They compassionately deliver an array of services, including integrative therapies (from music to acupuncture to pet therapy!) that support body, mind and spirit and promote a peaceful life-through-death experience. Knowledgeable staff members offer end-of life planning, a Pathways program for those with advancing chronic illness, anticipatory and post-death bereavement counseling and related programs.
We Value Your Support
"The services HNC provides are priceless," said Kaufman. "The cost to provide them is significant. We are so grateful for the support of individuals and organizations. As a nonprofit, without their contributions, we could not exist."
A recent $700,000 bequest from the Loretta Ames Estate will enable HNC to pay the remainder due on the 2010 purchase of its Carlsbad headquarters and redirect dollars to expanding programs and services.
HNC offers many avenues of support, from its Resale Shop to Memory Wall tiles to planned giving opportunities. Often, people whose family members have died a good death with HNC contribute their time, talents and money.
True to the Spirit of Hospice
Kaufman states, "As we celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in November, we rededicate ourselves to the intrinsic spirit of a movement that began when Cicely Saunders, after watching a loved one die, determined to make a difference and founded the first hospice, St. Christopher's, in London in 1967. Twelve years later in Encinitas, Father Paul Camm organized congregants to care for a dying patient in her home. That program evolved into Hospice of the North Coast.
"People and groups are known by the company they keep," Kaufman notes. "We are fortunate to be in the company of a wonderful board, awesome staff, incredible volunteers and the business community."
Patient Care Volunteer Dan Del Fiorentino sums up the spirit of Hospice of the North Coast when he says, "Being on the HNC team makes me feel a part of something. I have held a patient's hand for two hours. Enabled weary caregivers to run errands, take a walk or simply lie down and rest. Helped an elderly man see himself for a few minutes as a youth in his snazzy Studebaker, not as a dying patient. Knowing I have made a difference is my reward."
The spotlight is a paid advertorial feature. To get your company in the spotlight, contact Julie Miramontes at [email protected] or call 760-931-8400.
Hospice of the North Coast (HNC) is all about life. About ensuring the highest quality of life for clients as the quantity of days decreases. About educating and enlightening the community. About helping people live every day to the fullest.
Executive Director Nerice Kaufman, believes, "Most of us want a good life, a good death, and support for those we leave behind."
Reaching Out
Each year, HNC presents life-affirming events that draw people together. These include an inspiring spring Butterfly Release and winter Light Up a Life memorial (taking place this year on Dec. 2 at the Museum of Making Music) at which people celebrate the memories of loved ones. A summer Camp H.O.P.E. (Healing Outdoor Play Experience) offers families a full day of activities that enable grieving youngsters to forge friendships with other kids in similar circumstances and find their path to a new normal.
Every day, HNC's team of skilled medical professionals and dedicated volunteers vigorously pursue HNC's mission of maintaining dignity, comfort and the highest quality of life for clients, regardless of financial or life circumstances. They compassionately deliver an array of services, including integrative therapies (from music to acupuncture to pet therapy!) that support body, mind and spirit and promote a peaceful life-through-death experience. Knowledgeable staff members offer end-of life planning, a Pathways program for those with advancing chronic illness, anticipatory and post-death bereavement counseling and related programs.
We Value Your Support
"The services HNC provides are priceless," said Kaufman. "The cost to provide them is significant. We are so grateful for the support of individuals and organizations. As a nonprofit, without their contributions, we could not exist."
A recent $700,000 bequest from the Loretta Ames Estate will enable HNC to pay the remainder due on the 2010 purchase of its Carlsbad headquarters and redirect dollars to expanding programs and services.
HNC offers many avenues of support, from its Resale Shop to Memory Wall tiles to planned giving opportunities. Often, people whose family members have died a good death with HNC contribute their time, talents and money.
True to the Spirit of Hospice
Kaufman states, "As we celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in November, we rededicate ourselves to the intrinsic spirit of a movement that began when Cicely Saunders, after watching a loved one die, determined to make a difference and founded the first hospice, St. Christopher's, in London in 1967. Twelve years later in Encinitas, Father Paul Camm organized congregants to care for a dying patient in her home. That program evolved into Hospice of the North Coast.
"People and groups are known by the company they keep," Kaufman notes. "We are fortunate to be in the company of a wonderful board, awesome staff, incredible volunteers and the business community."
Patient Care Volunteer Dan Del Fiorentino sums up the spirit of Hospice of the North Coast when he says, "Being on the HNC team makes me feel a part of something. I have held a patient's hand for two hours. Enabled weary caregivers to run errands, take a walk or simply lie down and rest. Helped an elderly man see himself for a few minutes as a youth in his snazzy Studebaker, not as a dying patient. Knowing I have made a difference is my reward."
The spotlight is a paid advertorial feature. To get your company in the spotlight, contact Julie Miramontes at [email protected] or call 760-931-8400.