At EverHeart Hospice, one of our core values is a community-focused approach to care. As a local non-profit, our team of experts includes employees and volunteers who live in the communities we serve, including our Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team.
The commitment to serve our communities is truly how our organization was founded 40 years ago. In 1980 in the basement of the Brethren Retirement Community, a group of individuals and community leaders met to address the need for a Hospice program in our rural community. This vision came to life in 1981 when the agency became incorporated, and care was provided to our first patient by volunteer nurses.
Over the past 40 years, our name has changed, and our services have evolved, but our dedication to our communities and servant leadership remains strong. As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we reflect on the many ways EverHeart Hospice supports our communities.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP
We know that it “takes a village” to be successful as an organization. Our current offices are located throughout our service area and include Greenville and Coldwater Ohio, Winchester Indiana, and our Hospice Care Center located on the 4th Floor of Wayne Healthcare. Our service area covers 12 counties in Ohio and Indiana respectively: Darke, Mercer, Van Wert, Paulding, Allen, Auglaize, Shelby, Miami, Preble, Jay, Randolph, and Wayne. EverHeart Hospice is a proud member of the following area Chambers of Commerce:
Celina/Mercer Chamber of Commerce
St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce
Sidney/Shelby Chamber of Commerce
VanWert Chamber of Commerce
Darke County Chamber of Commerce
Preble County Chamber of Commerce
Randolph County United
GIVING BACK TO THOSE IN NEED
Each year, the staff at EverHeart donate items to the Darke County United Way “Stuff the Bus” program to provide school supplies to children in need. We also donated cleaning supplies and hygiene items to Hurricane Ida Victims and water for those who lost power last winter in Texas.
We have also provided meals through the C.A.L.L Ministries Food Pantry to provide a hot meal to those in need.
CAMP ENCOURAGE & BEREAVEMENT SERVICES
Starting in 2000 with 15 campers, Camp Encourage is offered to children ages 6-15 who are grieving the loss of someone special. This camp is provided free of charge and provides a safe space for children to sort through their grief with the guidance of our Bereavement Coordinator. Additionally, Bereavement Services are available for schools and anyone in the community grieving a loss at no charge.
SUPPORTING MEDICAL CAUSES
Our staff participate in both the Darke County Breast Cancer Awareness 5k and the Darke County Cancer Society Golf outing to raise funds for their cause. Additionally, we support the Wayne Healthcare Annual Golf Outing.
Our staff provide compassionate care to individuals fighting Alzheimer’s disease and know first-hand the toll it takes on families. EverHeart Hospice has been a sponsor of both the Grand Lake and Darke County Chapters of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Many of our staff participate in the walk and also fundraise in an effort to develop a cure.
WE HONOR VETERANS
EverHeart Hospice offers a special ceremony to any Veteran patient who receives our Hospice Services through the We Honor Veterans program. Our Veteran volunteers perform a salute and a pinning ceremony to honor the service and bravery our Veterans gave to our nation.
ROTARY & KIWANIS MEMBERSHIP
Throughout the year, staff participate in Rotary and Kiwanis events to give back to the community. You may have seen us serving Lemon Shake-Ups at the Darke County Fair or presenting hospice information at member meetings.
While our 40th Anniversary is a time to reflect on where we have been as an organization and how far we have come, it is nowhere near the end of our story. We look forward to continued partnerships and community involvement for many years to come.