VNA & Blue Water Hospice leadership honors staff and volunteers quarterly through the Shining Star program, recognizing the extras they do for each other, their patients, and the community.

Let’s get to know Grace!

How long have you been volunteering at VNA & BWH?

I started volunteering in September 2012.

What do you do at VNA & BWH?

I am at the Blue Water Hospice Home answering phones, greeting visitors (taking their temps), and care for the plants and flowers around the Home. If a visitor hasn’t been to the Hospice Home before, I show them around.

What do you like best about volunteering at VNA & BWH?

I have always thought it is good to volunteer. Once I retired in 2009, I knew I needed to volunteer somewhere. I’m not sure how I originally heard about VNA, but I’m glad I did! I do like greeting people as they walk into the Hospice Home. I hope to be a friendly face and comfort to them during this time.

This is a wonderful, caring agency. Jessica (Director of Hospice) and Heidi (Volunteer Coordinator) are both such warm and caring people. The entire staff are very kind and friendly.

Why did you choose this type of work?

Prior to motherhood, I was a nurse. My fifth child was born with Downs Syndrome with speech and language impairments. I stayed at home until my last was in school full-time. I was fortunate to then start a position at Woodlands caring for severely handicapped children and young adults. I worked at Woodlands for more than 20 years.

I guess I feel caring for others is my calling. Being at the Hospice Home allows me to care for patients in another way. I am also a comfort volunteer, meaning I sit with patients – just talking, listening, sometimes playing games – whatever they want at the time. As a volunteer, I feel I’m not only helping the patient, but also the staff, it makes me feel like I’m making a difference for someone else.

Heidi recognized Grace as a Shining Star!

“Grace donates her time to make beautiful seasonal/holiday décor that brings color to the Blue Water Hospice Home. When the seasons or holidays change Grace will remove the previous décor and replace with the new décor. She also donates flowers for the front entrance outside when visitors enter the BWHH. Grace’s generosity is the light that shines bright to bring cheer to our patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers.”

If you would like to thank a staff member, volunteer, or physician at VNA & Blue Water Hospice, go to https://bwhch.org/thankyou/.