Grant to help expand the “We Honor Veterans” program to deliver essential hospice support and resources for veterans and their families
CADILLAC, Mich. (Jan. 8, 2025) – Hospice of Michigan recently received a $2,500 grant from the Cadillac Area Community Foundation (CACF) to support the not-for-profit’s We Honor Veterans program, aimed at providing vital end of-life-care for local veterans.
We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs, recognizes the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families by offering educational tools and resources to support them as they approach the end of their lives. The grant will provide specialized training for hospice teams to address veterans’ unique needs, including pain management, emotional support and assistance in conducting meaningful ceremonies to honor their service. The funding will also support the Gestures of Grace program, which provides personalized acts of kindness to veterans and their families, including comfort items, utility assistance, emergency transportation and more.
“In 2023, Hospice of Michigan served 457 patients residing in Cadillac, with veterans representing 16.4 percent of this group. Thanks to the generous grant provided by the Cadillac Area Community Foundation, we can allocate additional funds to our veteran care programs, ensuring every veteran who walks through our door is provided compassionate end-of-life care,” Roxanne Kiesling, director of philanthropy at Hospice of Michigan. “While we can never truly repay those who have served our country, we strive to provide our veterans with the best resources to ensure their end-of-life transition is as peaceful as possible.”
“It’s wonderful to hear about the supportive initiatives for veterans in the Cadillac area! The work of the Cadillac Area Community Foundation, along with organizations like the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs, plays a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families during end-of-life care,” said Doreen Lanc, Executive Director Cadillac Area Community Foundation.
Providing educational tools and resources helps ensure that veterans receive the compassionate care and support they need. This includes guidance on navigating healthcare options, understanding veteran benefits, and finding emotional and psychological support. By fostering a collaborative approach that includes community foundations and national organizations, we can better honor and serve those who have served our country.
For more information about Hospice of Michigan and its veteran services please visit www.hom.org.
About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan (HOM) is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. A founding member of the NorthStar Care Community, the not-for-profit delivers the highest quality of care, raising more than $5 million each year to cover costs for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life. HOM also provides grief support and counseling, as well as caregiver education and support. A member of the NorthStar Care Community, HOM also provides palliative care through NorthStar Palliative Care, pediatric hospice care and compassionate support services through Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through the NorthStar Institute. The NorthStar Care Community also includes Arbor Hospice and Centrica Care Navigators. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 9,800 patients annually across Michigan. For more information, call 888-247-5701 or visit www.hom.org.