Ensuring the Community Has Access to Care

Providence Hospice Napa Valley was fortunate to care for Joan Quinlan's mother during her last few weeks of life. As Joan says, it is not a unique story, but what was unique was the extraordinary care her mom received in those last weeks.

After the experience, Joan wanted to give back to our organization and became a volunteer. "It was kind of a no-brainer," she says. "I made the decision that I wanted to do something, and I wanted it to be just me and the patient—to be there to help someone feel good about where they were at."

A few years later when Joan's partner, Sandi Van Male, was given the "gift of early retirement," she decided she would give volunteering a try too. Sandi started in our Palliative care and Hospice programs but found her niche in our Day Program.

"I tried the Day Program and just loved it, and I've been there ever since," says Sandi. "It's always changing and I like the variety. I'm able to step into whatever job needs to be done. Sometimes, I play games or read magazines and the newspaper with the participants. Or, if I see that the participant's hands are all crinkled up, I will rub ointment on their hands. Other days, I go to the music room and play the oldies for those participants that like to dance."

When it came time to put their estate in order, Joan and Sandi chose to name Providence Community Health Foundation Napa Valley as a beneficiary in their wills. Then, they notified us of their intention and became members of our Legacy Society.

Sandi and Joan want to see the program continue to thrive and serve our community. They feel that one of the strongest ways for that to happen is if people leave a gift in their wills designated for Providence Community Health Foundation Napa Valley. "Both of us realize that the organization receives federal funding, and hosts a gala, but it isn't enough to cover all the expenses for the services they provide, and we want to help fill those gaps so everyone in our community has access to this care."

To learn more about making a donation through a gift in your will, or other planned gift, contact Jennifer McConnehey, CFRE at 707-254-4166 or jennifer.mcconnehey1@providence.org.