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2024 Handbag & Sportsman Bingo

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:39:32 GMT

Yes, Guns are to Men, what Handbags are to Women.

2024 Handbag & Sportsman Bingo has come and gone, it took months to put together, a lot of driving here, there, and everywhere, connecting with people and learning about their big or small companies. It's one of the perks of my job, I love connecting with people and learning all about them and what they do for the community, I also love spreading the word about Serenity Foundation and how I get to bless so many patients and their families, all over the State of Georgia.

Putting on a fundraiser is rewarding, but also a tiring venture and I could not do it without my amazing support which includes, Julie & Chad Hutcheson, Don Copeland, Ashlee Vickers, Patrick Thames, Andrea White, Angie Tulia, Jackie Curtis, & Hayley Roberts, they helped me in so many ways. I am so glad to have them on my side. I also want to thank our Hope Chest Thrift Shop Girls, Bre Capps, Abigail Thigpen, Paris White, & Riley Hutcheson. Whether they helped decorate, take money, get raffle items, honestly anything that was asked of them they were there all the way.

I also want to thank all of our sponsors and raffle donors for this year. We had 104 that donated and sponsored Handbag & Sportsman Bingo this year and the gifts were absolutely amazing. I could not have asked for a better turnout. We were a sold-out event, with 320 tickets sold, the crowd that attended this year was absolutely a joy to have, you made the night fun, exciting, and worth all the stress that came with putting this fundraiser together.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to Richard Mascaro for the use of his beautiful venue, The Icehouse. We had the Icehouse packed out and it was perfect, again thank you so much for your hospitality and support.

Another shout out to Timeless Events who loaded and unloaded 320 chairs and a cart full of tables for our event. The entire process was easy and smooth from start to finish. Thank you for your generosity and your help in making our event top-notch!

If you attended the event and noticed the beautiful balloon arch as you walked in, that's a big thank you to Lindsey Mathis. She is one of Mrs. Angie Tullia's sweet Gee Gee's girls, who donated her time and services to make our event look beautiful. Thank you, Lindsey, for always going above and beyond whenever needed.

If you notice a trend, Mrs. Angie had the people for us, her two Sons Justin and Dustin Williamson, donated their time to be our amazing emcees. Dustin actually works for our Presenting Sponsor Georgia Hospice Care and if you were there you know, they made the night fun, and entertaining, and we will definitely have them back. Thank you, guys, for your continued support of Serenity Foundation and for making the night one to remember.

And last but not least Georgia Hospice Care was our Presenting Sponsor this year! I have the amazing opportunity to bless so many more of their patients this year thanks to everyone who played a part in raising proceeds this year. This fundraiser was such a blessing, and I surpassed every goal I set for it this year, which is an amazing feeling. I look forward to granting more wishes, and more needs than ever this year. Remember your donations, whether it be monetary or donations to the Hope Chest Thrift Shop are what make my job possible. You can make a donation anytime and if you have questions about any of it, please do not hesitate to call me at 478 484 9137 or email me at serenityfoundationgives@gmail.com

Thank you for a successful fundraiser!

Hands of Hope

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:37:59 GMT

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Que the tears! I received a grant request for this sweet baby, his mother wanted to have family portraits done, and if you know me, I absolutely love having pictures taken. So, I reached out to my favorite photographer Samantha Crawford, after sitting down and letting her know about our wish she not once hesitated to donate her time, skills, and love of photography to our patient and his family. "Love is measured not in moments of time, but in timeless moments" I saw this quote and thought how perfect it was for these photos. This family cherished each minute with each other. They smiled, laughed, and loved each other throughout this beautiful session. These are the moments that matter the most and I'm so happy that Serenity Foundation was able to team up with Sam to give this family something they will always remember. If you feel led to donate your services, time, monetary donations, or household items that could be used at the Hope Chest Thrift Shop please do not hesitate to reach out. Without you none of this is possible and we appreciate it all.

Giving & Receiving

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:34:56 GMT

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"Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have." JR

God always shows up, I have learned that to be true. Walked into a place of business this morning to find a sweet elderly gentleman, sitting there and we made small talk. When I went to leave, he gifted me this small wooden cross, it's not much but the thought and the meaning of it outweighs it. It just reminds me of all the blessings that I have received from him. It made my whole day knowing he was walking right alongside me.

Skip to this afternoon I received a grant for a patient who needed help with buying groceries, so off to the grocery store I go. I go to drop off the groceries to this sweet little lady and what do I receive, but the sweetest handmade angel from her. I told her this had to be a sign two things I received today that let me know our God is an awesome God.

My job has given me the opportunity to see how he will always provide in some way or somehow. It may not always be in the way that we specifically prayed for or thought it should be, but it is in his way and his timing. This job is not possible without your prayers and your donations, please continue to support Serenity Foundation and The Hope Chest Thrift Shop , so that I am able to grant these wishes and needs for our hospice patients. If you have any questions or feel led to donate, contact me at 4784849137 or drop by the Hope Chest Wed through Sat.

Fidget Blankets & Memory Bears

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:26:36 GMT

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I am so excited to share this story with you all. After teaming up with Emerald City Quilt Guild, Georgia Hospice Care, and Paula Cameron. We were able to bless some of our Dementia and Alzheimer's patients with fidget blankets and memory bears. The items that were put on the blankets and the fabric itself were all pieces that had been donated to The Hope Chest Thrift Shop. The patients were so excited to have something so beautifully made and were so thankful to be receiving something so special. We got to hear all kinds of stories and meet so many smiling faces while handing out these gifts, it was so heartwarming to be a part of. I would like to share that Emerald City Quilt Guild wanted to donate in Memory of Mrs. Mary Powell. She was an important part of this remarkable group of ladies, who so willingly took the time to make such lovely blankets for our patients. Her dedication and beautiful craftsmanship will forever be in each one of those blankets, and we are just so appreciative of this amazing donation. We also want to thank Mrs. Paula Cameron, who donated her time and artistry with these amazing memory bears. The smiles and hugs our patients gave after receiving one of her bears were absolutely heartening. I cannot express the gratitude I have for everyone that played a role in this heartfelt donation. Thank you again Georgia Hospice Care, The Emerald City Quilt Guild, and Mrs. Paula Cameron for taking your time to make such beautiful items for our patients.

Handbag Bingo 2023

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:34:41 GMT

Behind Every Successful Woman Is A Fabulous Bag!

The moment you all have been waiting for Handbag Bingo 2023 recap. As the first Fundraiser under my belt has come and gone, I look back and I am just speechless. The support, the donations we received, and the turnout we had, could not have gone any better. I have been working since February, as well as the board members, on getting this all together and I’m so proud of the results. The funds we made will make such an impact on Serenity Foundation and the wishes and needs that we are able to do. I want to thank everyone who had a part in making this event amazing, the ones behind the scenes, the event goers, the board members, my Hope Chest girls, the Board House, and Frozen 478, and a huge thank you to our Gold Sponsor Gee Gee’s and Mr. Nesbit who donated the use of Renesdi for our event. The Venue itself, as you can see in our photos, made our event that much better. Once again thank you also to all of our sponsors and donators, we gave away over 60 handbags, as well as over 40 raffle items. I can't wait to start planning our next fundraiser. Hop on over to our Facebook Page Serenity Foundation, look for the blue dove, and check out the pictures from the event.

Follow me and I will make you Fishers of Men- Matthew 4:19

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:33:46 GMT

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This wish I knew from the beginning would be exciting to watch it unfold and come together. Our patient is from the Savannah area and his last wish was to go out for the day and fish. If you know anything about me, it is that I love to go fishing, of course, I'm one of those impatient fishers, but nonetheless, I do enjoy it. So, I reached out to several people but of course, having family who lives on the Savannah River made the wish even more exciting. We got it set up for a beautiful Tuesday morning, and we got on the water and found some spots, of course, the wind played a big factor in our day, and we only caught one fish, but it just so happened the one and only fish caught was by none other than our patient. To say everyone was ecstatic would be an understatement, we were all smiling and having a good time just enjoying the sun and the warm breeze. I spoke to the patient's wife later on and she said he couldn't stop talking about the trip and how appreciative he was that we were able to grant him such a special day. I told her to make his wish just a little more special we were able to reach out to the Hank Parker, who in return was gracious enough to send a few gifts hand signed just for our patient. Both our patient and his wife were just giddy and so surprised that we were able to do all of this just for them.

I have watched Serenity Foundation give life back to these patients the excitement and surprise that we share just warms my heart. This job is so rewarding and humbling, we never know what life will throw at us, so having a foundation like Serenity Foundation Gives is a great resource for our Hospice patients that may need assistance with certain bills, or who just have one last wish. With that being said we can't do this without you all, and your donations whether it be through the Hope Chest Thrift Shop or monetary donations, it's because of you and your giving heart that I am able to bless these patients and their families.

I also just want to give a huge thank you to everyone that played a part in helping me make this wish something special. I will forever be grateful for your giving heart and your willingness to help whenever I call.

Fundraiser (Handbag Bingo)

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 20:09:03 GMT

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We are having our first Fundraiser of the year, Handbag Bingo. If you follow our Facebook page, I'm sure you have seen our posts about this event and how excited we are. We have Sponsors donating left and right and I am so grateful for their support and the donations we have received thus far. This event is not possible without the gratitude of our supporters and their willingness to give. We appreciate everyone that has their hand in this event, and I look forward to being able to grant wishes and needs for our hospice patients from the proceeds raised at this event. If you will continue to lift this event up in prayer and that everything goes as planned on that day, if you feel led to donate, please do not hesitate. We have several ways to receive donations, through the website, Venmo: @Serenityfoundation, mail in check/cash: 1111 Hillcrest Pkwy Dublin, Ga 31021. Your donations are greatly appreciated, and I know our hospice patients send their thanks as well. If you would like to attend this fundraiser, please come by The Hope Chest Thrift Shop, Gee Gee's Boutique, or go online to eventbrite.com and purchase a ticket or a table.

Operation Round Up

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 19:19:03 GMT

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Thanks to Washington EMC and their Operation Round Up they were able to assist in purchasing the supplies needed to build our patient's wheelchair ramp, which I posted about yesterday. I was ecstatic to be receiving this donation and expressed the appreciation we had for what Operation Roundup is all about and how it's able to help the community. So, I want to take the time and just share my appreciation with Washington EMC customers who participate in this program that make these funds available for organizations to be able to use towards someone in need. Without our donators and the donations that come in none of this is possible, so again thank you for all that you do. Also thank you Washington EMC again for choosing Serenity Foundation Gives as a candidate for funds to grant such a needed and special grant for our patient.

"Serve one another in love."- Galatians 5:13

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 19:13:34 GMT

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The foundation was sent a request for a wheelchair ramp a couple of weeks ago, for a patient who lived a couple of miles away from my home. So, I start calling all of my construction people to see if they could help me in getting this wheelchair ramp built for this special person. After my last grant, I realized that there are still Godly human beings on this earth that want to help in any way they can. I was given a number for Mr. Andy, who I was told specifically builds wheelchair ramps where we wouldn't pay for labor only the materials. I knew at the beginning I had to get my hands dirty and help with this ministry, and now I am so glad that I drug myself and my best friend to this sweet little lady's house Saturday. We laughed, learned some new skills, and I got to see God at work on such a beautiful day. Our patient told us she had been wanting a ramp for several years and had several people tell her they would build one but never got around to it, I'm so glad Serenity Foundation Gives was able to gift such a special need for the most precious little lady.

When I tell you God works in mysterious ways after spending my day being grateful and full of joy for being able to help out with this grant personally, I go to get the mail out of the mailbox, and we had received a letter. This was not just any kind of letter; we had received a letter from our patient. She just happened to be a Jehovah's Witness and she had sent a letter not knowing us from Adam but just to witness to us about the love of God. If that doesn't shake you to the core, I don't know what would, I had never met this lady before, but I can tell you she left a forever impression on my heart. I am so appreciative of the opportunity I have been given to serve the community and God's people. I only hope that I leave the same impression on the patients and their families as they have done for me.

Give Thanks with A Grateful Heart

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 19:06:31 GMT

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Got to work this morning and checking my email, I received this sweet little lady's picture. This is one of the recipients of the lift chair that Serenity Foundation Gives was able to grant. She let us know she absolutely loved it and was so thankful that we were able to do this for her. Once again, my job has shown me just how a small gesture or big one can mean so much to another person. I look forward to being able to receive the grant application and have it accepted and watch it come together. These patients have so much gratitude and thankfulness for the foundation, and I know without a doubt God is in this adventure with us.

Alma Mater

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 18:42:09 GMT

Character Above All

I'm so excited I had my first grant application for a wish come across my desk in January. If you have been following my journey with Serenity Foundation you know how excited I was for the opportunity. This story was precious and having the opportunity to grant this wish pulled all of my heartstrings. I also want to thank everyone who had a hand in making this dream a reality and helping me grant this wish without hesitation.

The social worker who requested the wish called me and was telling me a little about the patient and how he and his wife in their earlier years would ride around the local Milledgeville GMC campus and just admire its beauty. I was just smitten and just loved the simplicity and heartfelt wish that this was going to be. This patient’s last wish was to enjoy a stroll around the campus with his lovely wife due to the fact that his health had been declining and he had become bedridden they have been unable to do so for quite some time.

So, I got to work I started making phone calls and spoke to several people who were more than willing to make this as special as they could. I have to say they may have been just as excited as I was, the ones I spoke with at the college were just humbled that he chose this location as his last wish. The Director of Alumni and Community Engagement, Craig Portwood took the reins and made it even more spectacular. As we made our way to GMC Campus Mr. Craig was waiting for us with a GMC blanket just for our patient and greeted him with all smiles. After speaking with Mr. Craig and the patient’s wife we come to find out that our patient and several relatives had graduated or attended GMC, which made this all that more special. As we made our way towards the main building, which I must say was so beautiful, the Lt. General William Caldwell, IV U.S. Army President of the college was waiting for us, with a salute and a presidential coin as a gift for our patient. The twinkle of excitement in the patient’s eyes validated all the work we put in for such a sweet and special surprise for him. He expressed so much gratitude and thankfulness for everyone involved and stated, “he couldn’t believe we did all of this for him.” Of course, we all responded, “it was our pleasure, and we were so excited to be able to bless him and his wife with such a special day.”

I will forever remember that day and just the love that was shared with the patient and his wife and how grateful they were for just that little time together outside of their home. A place they could go back in time and remember how simple things were at that particular time and the life they have built with one another. I am thankful and blessed to have been a part of this amazing request and I look forward to being able to bless more families with wishes and grants.

Goals

hailey@sfgives.org (Jennifer Rhodes) — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 19:09:01 GMT

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As the new year comes, I have placed it upon myself to set goals for Serenity Foundation Gives. This past year we were able to grant 45 needs to patients with a total of $11,060.86. I would love to be able to donate to more patients this year, and this is only possible with your help. We have several fundraisers being discussed and I look forward to hitting my goal and maybe even surpassing it. This year is about growth for our Foundation, God placed me here for a reason and I look forward to doing the best that I can. Our foundation is constantly getting requests to grant needs for patients such as wheelchair ramps, utility bills, grocery bills, home safety supplies, and pest control bills. Being able to take care of these needs takes a burden off of the patient and their families. This is one less thing that they have to worry about during such a hard and difficult time, not only physically but also financially.

The Hope Chest Thrift Shop takes donations Monday-Saturday, Monday-Friday 8:30- 5, and Saturday 10-4. We also take monetary donations in the form of cash, check, Venmo, and through our website. None of this is possible without you and your donations. So, we thank you and look forward to a brand-new year with you all.

Donation

hailey@sfgives.org (Jennifer Rhodes) — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:55:09 GMT

501 C3 Non-Profit Donation

I received a call last week from Little Ocmulgee EMC, Serenity Foundation Gives had been placed as a candidate for a cash donation. After speaking with them and telling them a little information about our foundation and what we are all about, I was told I should hear back in a couple of days. A few days later I received the call we had been chosen for a $9500 donation! This is big and I couldn't express the gratitude and excitement that the call gave. This donation will help us be able to provide grants and needs this holiday season and I look forward to helping as many Hospice patients as possible.

I asked Lewis Sheffield there, General Manager if he could just explain what they are all about and how the choosing process goes and this is what he had to say. "We, Little Ocmulgee Electric Membership Corporation, LOEMC, are actually a non-profit organization as well. We are a 501(c)(12). We provide distribution electric service to a territory that includes southern Laurens, Wheeler, Telfair, Dodge, and Montgomery Counties. We are owed by the Members we serve, so if you have a meter with LOEMC, you own a portion of the company. We have roughly 8,000 Member-owners and serve a little over 11,500 meters (some Members have more than one meter, but under IRS rules, there is only one Membership). Any excess margins (net profits in the for-profit world) at the end of a calendar year, are assigned to the Members who used the electricity on a prorated basis as something called capital credits. Those capital credits can be/are retired over time as financial conditions warrant. These retired capital credits which are mailed out via check are sometimes returned due to the Members no longer residing at the address on file. For years, those amounts were required to be remitted to the State of Georgia after a 5-year period. However, several years ago, the Georgia legislature passed a law allowing the funds to be donated to 501(c)(3) charities. Our Board has decided to donate to Serenity Foundation due to Serenity Hospice’s work/services in our territory."

Little Ocmulgee EMC again thank you for your generosity and for thinking of Serenity Foundation Gives.

Meeting Needs

hailey@sfgives.org (Jennifer Rhodes) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 13:48:57 GMT

A Grateful Heart is a Magnet for Miracles

Since I started with Serenity Foundation Gives the word that kept popping up was Gratitude. What is gratitude you say, Gratitude is a positive state of being: a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for someone or something; and a social emotion that signals our recognition of that around us. Asking for someone's help while going through a difficult time is a hard task to do. These patients and their families feel they could never thank someone enough for the small things that make such a big difference.

I had a grant come across my desk 2 weeks ago, for a patient who was in need of lawn care. The family's request was for a lawnmower while speaking with the family and learning more about the patient and her situation. We felt the need was more for having a lawn care service to come out instead of buying a lawnmower and the family members worrying about having to take care of the yard and the patient. We got in touch with several lawn care services in the area and were given different quotes. While narrowing down the best fit, we had this special person come forward and offered his services knowing this would be a big job he was happy to take it on for a little of nothing. He made a difference, he wasn't there to get rich, he was there to simply give a helping hand because he cared! The gratitude this patient and her family had for this one person who decided to make a difference was enormous.

Those are the people that we appreciate and look for, the ones who have those tiny heartstrings that are constantly tugging and that truly care about people. We need more of them and if you are one of those people that like to donate their time, and resources, or just lend a helping hand, I'm here for it and would love to have you around! We are always looking for volunteers, so if you feel led to do something for the better, please get in contact with me!

The Difference

hailey@sfgives.org (Jennifer Rhodes) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 15:33:09 GMT

Hospice is designed to optimize your comfort and quality of life so you can make the most of the time you have left, whether it's days, weeks, or months. In addition to pain and symptom management provided by doctors and nurses, hospice offers personal care through certified nursing assistants, and emotional and spiritual support through counselors, social workers, and chaplains. Volunteers are also available to provide companionship and respite.

Our Foundation, Serenity Foundation Gives, goes above and beyond to meet needs and grant wishes for our patients and their families. We have been able to provide funds for electricity bills, and helped in buying groceries, lift chairs, and batteries for wheelchairs are just a few. Serenity Foundation Gives also granted those wishes such as: getting them to a child's graduation, getting a fishing trip planned for that last time spent together; provided newborn photography, to a family with the news of their baby not able to leave the hospital due to a terminal illness. or something as simple as meeting their favorite all-time sports figure.

Hospice care is intense, but also slow and sweet. The days are sometimes long, but they can go by in a flash. Every patient is a whole new story, making the time with each of them a discovery of loves and needs. We can’t fill all those needs, but we can be sure that my patient feels a little more ready to face the day, to enjoy that family gathering, that birdsong through the window, or “just” that bowl of strawberry ice cream. It’s a small thing that we can do in order to give back to them for all that they teach us.

Supporting The Ones You Love

hailey@sfgives.org (Jennifer Rhodes) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:17:19 GMT

We are often unsure, confused, or helpless when it comes to knowing someone with a serious illness. What do we say and how can we offer support? Here are a few tips that can help you share meaningful moments with family or friends.

Don’t avoid seeing, speaking, or comforting the patient. Be the friend or loved one you have always been.

Always call before you visit, but never be afraid to visit. They could be lonely. See if they may need anything and when is the best time for company.

A simple squeeze of their hand can tell them you still care.

Bring a positive attitude and a smile; it’s contagious.

Cook their favorite meal. Bring in disposable containers so they won’t worry about returns or cleaning dishes.

Weep with the patient when they weep. Laugh when they laugh. Don’t be afraid to share these emotions.

Sometimes saying nothing at all and just sitting silently together can be a comfort to others.

Offer to take care of the patient’s children. They may need time to be alone with their loved one. The children may also need a short break.

Take the patient out for a pleasure trip but know their limitations.

Ask the patient if they need transportation to an appointment or a local store.

Celebrate holidays by asking if you can decorate the patient’s room or home.

Give the patient’s family a chance to have a break by offering to come stay with the patient or invite them out.

Ask if you can pray together.

Simply sending a card that says, “I care.”

Water the plants.

Offer to help with light housekeeping.

Ask if the patient wants to talk about their illness. Ask, “Do you feel like talking about it?”

You can never go wrong by just physically, mentally, and emotionally being there for that family member or special friend. A small gesture can go a long way with someone who may be fighting a daily battle.

Beloved if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Planning Ahead

hailey@sfgives.org (Jennifer Rhodes) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:02:20 GMT

Talking about Funeral Planning

We plan for our marriage, the birth of our children, our next home and even our retirement. Despite the conversations, we have for these life events, rarely do we have conversations about how we want to be cared for and remembered at the end of life. This is an emotionally difficult time to think about end-of-life decisions. Yet, if your able, initiating this conversation now, may make everyone more comfortable later. Here are some suggestions about how you can respectfully encourage those you care for to verbalize their desires and plan a personalized, meaningful goodbye.

BREAKING THE ICE

Begin the conversation with a statement that demonstrates that you care about your loved ones’ interests and the well-being of the family. “I know this may be an uncomfortable topic, but would you be open to talking about your service and some of the ways you wish to be remembered? When the time comes, I want to know that we are carrying out a ceremony that you want rather than stressing with one another over the details.” Another option is to start informally, asking your loved ones about some of their favorite traditions and how your family will continue those traditions for generations to come before finding a natural transition to the memorial service. Your loved ones may resist, saying “Don’t make a fuss. I don’t want a ceremony. Just bury me and be done with it.” It is best to gently remind them the purpose of the funeral service – that it serves as a time for the living to come together and celebrate a life lived as an essential part of the grieving process. Keeping this larger focus in mind will help guide both of you when deciding on the finer details of the ceremony.

GUIDING THE CONVERSATION

After you’ve taken the first step, what is it that you talk about? Your funeral home is your best resource as its staff can clarify the different services and selections available and help you create a meaningful, personalized ceremony based on your loved one’s final wishes and the emotional needs of your family. If your loved ones are willing, a funeral director can sit down with them to discuss the arrangement process in detail, at no cost to you and your family. If you so desire, you can put your family member’s wishes on file with the funeral home and even elect to prepay to secure today’s prices.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

For most, planning a funeral is not a one-day affair. Take your time, do your research and create a service that is best for your family, ensuring the ceremony is personalized and within your budget. You never know, what feels like a daunting task may be rewarding for both parties in the end. Take this as your opportunity to have some authentic conversations with your loved one and let them know the legacy they have had in your life.

What Happens When A Loved One Is Dying?

hailey@sfgives.org (Jennifer Rhodes) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 15:27:43 GMT

What To Expect

A frequently asked question of our hospice team is "What should I expect when the dying process begins" It can be scary if we don't know what to expect. The truth is that each death is as unique as its life. Some die quickly, without signs or symptoms, while others may hang on for a long time. There are many signs of impending death, and a person may exhibit none, a few, or many of them. There are no set rules. Below are some signs and symptoms that you may observe.

Change in consciousness

More tired than usual

Increased sleep

Withdrawal and/or less communication

Increased confusion

May see vision of deceased loved ones

Not as responsive -remember, loved ones can hear us even if they cannot respond

Significant decrease in appetite or refusal of food

This is often a difficult sign for loved ones because so many of us express our love and nurture one another with food and drink

Terminally ill people do not die because they stop eating; they stop eating because they are dying

Dehydration

Dry mouth and lips

Medical evidence states clearly that dehydration at the end of life aids a natural and compassionate death

Forcing fluids can actually lead to a more uncomfortable death; as the body needs less, fluids can cause choking and/or swelling in hands and legs or even in the lungs

Blood pressure/Pulse rate

Blood pressure often lowers

Pulse rate can increase or decrease

Body temperature

Fluctuates between cold and hot; but generally, the extremities are colder

Perspiration may occur

Skin color

Changeable over time

Mottling a decrease in circulation that looks like bruising the nail bed of the hands and feet may be bluish because of decreased circulation A pale yellow color (not jaundice) may appear

Decrease in urine output

Little or no output Urine may be dark

Patient may lose bladder and/or bowel control

Eyes

May become too dry or too moist with a glassy look

May be open or partly open Eyes may appear not to focus

Changes in breathing patterns

Breathing may become more labored, slower, and/or very irregular

Breathing may stop for 15, 30. 45 or more seconds before beginning again

Restlessness

Can occur because of decreased oxygen in the blood

Respiratory Congestion

The sound of moist (rattle like) reparations can be very disturbing to loved ones, although it does not seem to bother patients

Repositioning and medication can help

The Last Hoorah

Up to twelve days or hours before death, some patients regain temporary consciousness or have a temporary burst of energy that allows them to connect with their loved ones, eat, drink and even sit up and walk around

Unfinished Business

Sometimes loved ones seem to hang on, when all of their signs and symptoms point to imminent death. This may be the time to:

o Give your loved one the opportunity to make peace with their higher power with a visit from a spiritual counselor

o Express gratitude and love

o Ask and grant forgiveness Complete any old business

o Give your loved one permission to go

o Tell them you will miss them

o Let your loved one know that you and other surviving loved ones will take care of one another and that you will be okay

Stocking a Patients Pantry

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:47:13 GMT

Agape Care Georgia Warner Robins Branch Teams With

Serenity Foundation

Working in hospice, it’s amazing just how much our patients and families become a part of us. They are all special and it’s our mission and calling to show the kind of love and care that quite simply is best described by our company’s very name—Agape.

While all of our patients and families find their way into our hearts, there are some that come along and really tug on your heartstrings beyond compare. Such is the case with a patient we will call Bob. Bob has lived alone in his home since his beloved wife died a few years back and his living and financial conditions have significantly declined along with his health. He says he’s embarrassed by his living conditions, but he doesn’t want to leave. No matter what, it is his home. Still, his pantries are bare and there have been days where he has existed on little more than cheese and crackers, partly because of his finances and partly because of his ability to get to the store. Perhaps worst of all, however, Bob was essentially all alone. With what appears to be no strong family ties and a hesitancy to bother his neighbors with his needs, he says he has pretty much just existed, his body increasingly riddled with pain and his spirit growing lonelier by the day.

Enter Agape Care of Georgia and, most recently, Serenity Hospice Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 non-profit corporation which focuses on meeting needs and granting wishes to hospice patients. The Agape Care Georgia’s Warner Robins care team quickly got to work managing Bob’s pain and exploring ways to improve his overall situation. The team social worker has been busy looking for programs to help Bob improve his living conditions; the chaplain continues to aid him with his spiritual needs, and me and my team of volunteers have set our sights on helping reduce Bob’s loneliness through regular phone calls. And, finally, the Serenity Foundation supplied the financial means to meet Bob’s need for food and warm clothing. Just one day after I contacted the foundation, Foundation Director Hailey Green was on the phone. And within two days, myself and volunteers Barbara and Keith Hayes were on a shopping trip purchasing a smorgasbord of food and necessities for Bob—two shopping carts full when all was said and done. On day three, Warner Robins Branch Chaplain Robbie Passmore assisted me with delivering everything. Bob was overwhelmed and tearful at the sight of all the goodies and, when I called to check on him the next day, he gushed with gratitude and thankfulness.

“I can’t thank you all enough,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I have already had some chicken and rice, a tuna sandwich, some fruit and yogurt and some pudding and apple pie. It’s amazing how much having choices has already improved my appetite.”

Thank you, Serenity Foundation, for helping us go the extra mile in taking care of Bob and so many others.

Job well done.

Life is Short, Buy the Bag

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 20:59:56 GMT

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You know when something is calling your name and you have to buy.

Chair Today Gone Tomorrow

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 20:52:31 GMT

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The things people touch often become what we use to conjure memories of them .

Lost Locker Reunited

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 20:49:11 GMT

The things people touch often become what we use to conjure memories of them.

I vividly remember my mom calling me four years ago to tell me Dalton Rogers had passed away. I did not know Dalton, but I have prayed for this family many times since then. Surprisingly, on my second day working for Serenity Foundation, Kid’s Cup put this locker at the front door of the Hope Chest Thrift Shop. I knew right then I had found a true treasure. I could not believe that I had found Dalton’s locker from Dublin High School with his signature. After two months of contemplating what to do, De Thomas, with Vines Pest Control, stopped by the Hope Chest. De talks to Mr. Dahl, Dalton’s Father, daily, and he was ecstatic to get me in touch with him, which led to Kip Evan, Dalton’s friend, replacing the back of the locker with a new piece of wood and cutting out the signature to be framed. It was with great honor to finally, three months later, present this board to the Rogers family. Dalton’s framed signature is on display in his family’s living room, and his locker is going in his nephew’s bedroom for many years to come.

Mindful

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 16:53:45 GMT

Mary Jane Oliver is an American poet who's work is inspired by nature.

Mindful

Every day

I see or hear

something

that more or less

kills me

with delight,

that leaves me

like a needle

in the haystack

of light.

It was what I was born for -

to look, to listen,

to lose myself

inside this soft world -

to instruct myself

over and over

in joy,

and acclamation.

Nor am I talking

about the exceptional,

the fearful, the dreadful,

the very extravagant -

but of the ordinary,

the common, the very drab,

the daily presentations.

Oh, good scholar,

I say to myself,

how can you help

but grow wise

with such teachings

as these -

the untrimmable light

of the world,

the ocean's shine,

the prayers that are made

out of grass?

Mary Oliver

A Meaningful Goodbye

greg@chalkboard.solutions (Greg Grabowski) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:03:00 GMT

Having a conversation about the end of life.

Have a conversation with your family about your end-of-life wishes while you are healthy. No one wants to have that discussion… but if you do, you’ll be giving your loved ones a tremendous gift, since they won’t have to guess what your wishes would have been, and it takes the onus of responsibility off of them. –Jodi Picoult

A MEANINGFUL GOODBYE service can and should be as unique as the life that is being celebrated. Don’t feel that you have to have a cookie cutter type of service or that your ideas for a special ceremony are foolish. You shouldn’t feel pressured or rushed into making a decision. Funeral directors are caring, dedicated professionals willing to help you make the arrangements that you want. In fact, personalizing a memorial service can be very therapeutic - it gives you and your family something to concentrate on as you relive memories. It’s also welcomed by family and friends attending a visitation or service because it gets them involved and provides a topic of conversation when they might otherwise not know what to say.

Below are a series of questions to consider when planning service that celebrates the life of a loved and creates healing moments for those who will always remember.

What should guests see at the end-of-life memorial event? Items like favorite personal pictures or even favorite places. Prized possessions can be incorporated into the event as well.
What should guests hear at the memorial event? Grandchildren laughing or singing. Of course, music can be traditional or popular. Favorite stories that can be shared.
What should guests smell at the memorial event? From flowers and incense to favorite treats or recipes.
For memorial guests who did not know the deceased, what is the one thing that I want them to know about my loved one?

Grief support

greg@chalkboard.solutions (Greg Grabowski) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:01:27 GMT

Learn to see differences and embrace them.

Serenity Hospice has a team of people that not only care about your loved one, but care about supporting you emotionally and psychologically while you anticipate the decline of your loved one. We have supportive care team members like social workers, music therapists, chaplains, and specialty volunteers that focus on what it means to lose a loved one and help you understand what to expect while your loved one is experiencing changes in their condition.

Grief is unique, and each loss is slightly different, but there are feelings that are normal to experience when processing the death of your loved one. Your Hospice team helps you to identify feelings of sadness, sorrow and anger and assists with plans to connect to your community, family, and other local professional services for support if needed.

Agape Hospice provides 13 months of bereavement support after your loved one dies. During this time, we focus on reaching out to you during the weeks after your loved one’s death to provide emotional care, resource referrals, and social connection. There are multiple ways Agape provides this bereavement support to families and caregivers, but we have found that each person is often drawn to a specific type of support.

The hospice team social worker may recommend individual or family counseling, online grief groups, informational newsletters, or periodic phone contacts based on your story and your desired amount of emotional support. Most people feel strengthened, encouraged, and cared for when they learn more about the grieving process. Once they understand how it affects them and identify coping strategies, they often find themselves learning new methods to help themselves through their personal grief experience.

Grief is difficult and feeling stuck can be normal – but if it persists, please reach out for help. Often, not dealing with unhealthy grief can be interpreted as stoicism or ‘putting on a brave face’, but in the long run, processing these emotions is much healthier and allows for closure in a way that honors the loved one who has been lost.

We are here to help you continue honoring your loved one.

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Life is Short, Buy the Bag

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Chair Today Gone Tomorrow

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Lost Locker Reunited

Mindful

Mary Jane Oliver is an American poet who's work is inspired by nature.

A Meaningful Goodbye

Having a conversation about the end of life.

Grief support

Learn to see differences and embrace them.

501 C3 Non-Profit Donation