PRESS RELEASE: June 5, 2007 For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist
Telephone: 302 547 1816
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


Delaware Hospice’s Relationship Manager, Jim Prim, visited the Dover State Grange this month to give a presentation about the organization’s programs and services and received more than one pleasant surprise.

As Jim prepared to begin his presentation, he was asked if he would mind if the women continued their needlework as he spoke. “Of course not,” he replied and proceeded to speak for a half hour and then to answer a surprising number of questions for another hour or so.

He was next persuaded to join the Grange’s members for another surprise--a wonderful, home-cooked meal.

At last, tearing himself away from the wonderful cakes, he prepared to leave. “Just one more thing,” he was told.

Finally the Grange’s women presented him with the best surprise of all: 81 pillows, hand-stitched during his presentation, to be distributed to Delaware Hospice patients and families.

Jim was overwhelmed with this act of kindness, “These pillows are more than just pillows--they were made with hands of love. It was a great honor and pleasure to spend my Saturday afternoon with the wonderful folks at the Dover State Grange.”

The Dover State Grange members also expressed their appreciation for the information presented. Jim shared information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, discussing its establishment as a nonprofit organization in 1982, and its continuing status as a nonprofit, dependent on individuals in the community for gifts of time and treasures, as it remains responsive to meeting the needs of the communities it serves.

The members learned that hospice care is for all the family—not just the patient, and care is provided by a team of professionals including a nurse, certified nursing assistant, social worker, and a chaplain, who strive to personalize that care and meet the particular needs of each family and situation.

Jim discussed unique aspects of Delaware Hospice including its 13-month adult bereavement program; New Hope Program for children who have lost loved ones and its 4-day summer camp; and the Transitions Program, which provides assistance to individuals who are seriously ill but not appropriate for hospice care.

Jim pointed out that Delaware Hospice is able to offer its services to the community without charge due to the generosity of individuals who contribute in many ways. Volunteers play a key role in the organization, providing patient support as well as helping out in the offices or at fundraising events. Families often choose Delaware Hospice for memorial gifts, and key fundraising events such as the Festival of Trees provide significant financial assistance to the organization.

PHOTO CAPTION: Jim Prim, Relationship Manager for Delaware Hospice, in receipt of 81 pillows, hand-stitched by the loving hands of the women from Dover State Grange.