Emmanuel Hospice Recognizes Volunteer Dr. John ‘Jack’ Hartmann

Emmanuel Hospice presented the Sister Gabriela Caring Spirit Award to Dr. John “Jack” Hartmann during a volunteer luncheon on Friday, Nov. 8 at Waterford Place in Jenison.

The award recognizes a volunteer who carries with them the mission and vision of Emmanuel Hospice and who goes above and beyond with their compassion for patients and their families. The award was named after Sister M. Gabriela Hilke, the founding visionary behind the creation of Emmanuel Hospice and the award’s first recipient. She is also a spiritual caregiver and active board member with the organization.

“Jack came to mind right away when our team was deliberating who should receive the award this year,” said Jackie Chandler, volunteer coordinator. “Jack has been incredibly engaged and passionate about Emmanuel Hospice from the very beginning. We have appreciated his continued dedication to our patients, and the many times he’s exceeded our volunteer expectations.”

A retired OB-GYN, Hartmann started volunteering with Emmanuel Hospice in the fall of 2018. He was first trained as patient/family support volunteer, helping to enhance patients’ quality of life through companionship, one-on-one time and prayer. When Emmanuel expressed a need for vigil volunteers, Hartmann was quick to sign up for the training.

Vigil volunteers must be compassionate listeners who recognize the transition that takes place at the end of life is both physical and spiritual. They are called on at all hours and any day of the week to be there for patients when no else can be to ensure no one dies alone. Vigil volunteers bring families some peace of mind knowing someone could be there with their loved one.

“Jack has been called to serve in this capacity multiple instances. Time and time again, no matter the hour, he’d be there – and he has sat bedside with patients for hours,” Chandler said. “I’ll never forget when I asked Jack why he was interested in volunteering, and he simply replied, ‘there is dignity in listening.’

“That really struck me. That’s exactly the mindset we look for in volunteers.”

Hartmann is also known for being an advocate for patients. He has developed meaningful and close relationships with the patients he has worked with, paying special attention to their needs. He has sought out trainings to learn how he can better support individuals with different conditions, such as those with dementia.

When he recognized one patient in particular was really struggling emotionally, Hartmann reached out to the interdisciplinary team to inquire about whether it would be OK for him to visit that patient more often than what is asked of volunteers. Emmanuel Hospice commended Hartman for his collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to ensure that patient received the additional support needed.

“People facing end-of-life issues experience some of the most important days of their lives,” Hartmann said. “For me, to be a possible source of kindness, even for a few hours, for such individuals is a privilege.

“I am very grateful for Emmanuel Hospice for giving me the opportunity to serve.”

Volunteers serve Emmanuel Hospice in many ways, including making bereavement calls, capturing patient’s life stories, supporting office needs and providing companionship with certified pet visitors. Other volunteer opportunities include assisting with art therapy, community outreach, knitting, card-making and patient/family support. So far this year, 35 volunteers have donated more than 2,100 hours to the organization, a cost savings of more than $38,000.

Emmanuel Hospice currently has a need for patient/family support and pet visitor volunteers. Pet visitor volunteers are trained as patient/family support volunteers in addition to having their pet certified as a companion animal.

The organization is also expanding its veterans program and is seeking individuals who have served to volunteer. A person does not need to be retired from the military to be considered for the volunteer position.

Those who are interested in volunteering can submit an application form online at: emmanuelhospice.org/volunteer. Individuals may contact Volunteer Coordinator Jackie Chandler for more information at jchandler@emmanuelhospice.org.

Emmanuel Hospice Reaccredited by CHAP

Community Health Accreditation Partner Logo

Emmanuel Hospice has been reaccredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. for its industry best practices and commitment to quality patient care.

The CHAP accreditation renewal demonstrates that Emmanuel Hospice meets the health care industry’s highest nationally recognized regulations and standards. Emmanuel Hospice was awarded the renewal due to its focus on structure and function, quality of services and products, human and financial resources and long-term viability. The organization received a perfect survey with no areas of concern.

“Our goal at Emmanuel Hospice is to provide the best possible experience for patients and their families during what can be a very difficult time,” said Emmanuel Hospice Executive Director Sara Lowe. “Having the independent, third-party validation from CHAP confirms our commitment to the highest standards possible.

“We hope those we care for and their families can rest easy knowing we are being held to a high level of excellence as we offer a holistic, life-affirming experience through the end of life.”

Emmanuel Hospice first received CHAP accreditation in 2014 after its first year of operation. The new accreditation is valid through September 2022. CHAP certification also certifies Emmanuel Hospice as a Medicare provider.

“By achieving CHAP accreditation, Emmanuel Hospice has shown a commitment to excellence,” said CHAP President and CEO Karen Collishaw. “This is the second time Emmanuel Hospice has achieved CHAP accreditation, and we are excited to continue our partnership by offering support in its commitment to providing quality care and continuous improvement.”

CHAP is the oldest national, independent accrediting body for health care organizations that determines if hospice agencies meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation and CMS Quality Standards.

Since opening its doors, Emmanuel Hospice has grown to care for more than 100 families a day in a four-county area in West Michigan. Last year, the organization cared for more than 455 patients and an estimated 1,365 caregivers who supported them on their end-of-life journeys.

Emmanuel Hospice Expands into New Offices

Bolstered by steady growth since its founding in 2012, Emmanuel Hospice will soon complete a move into a new and expanded office space in Grand Rapids at 401 Hall St. SW.

The new office space is 5,400 square feet, which is an increase of 3,500 square feet from Emmanuel’s current office space at St. Ann’s Home, located at 2161 Leonard St. NW. The new office space, which is located just south of downtown Grand Rapids, includes a dedicated grief support room, collaborative workspaces, a large conference room, space for interdisciplinary team meetings and 13 private offices.

The new space also offers convenient access to US 131 and I-196, as well as free and abundant parking.

The move comes two years after the faith-based nonprofit provider of hospice care expanded its former headquarters at St. Ann’s to accommodate new team members. Since then, Emmanuel’s team has continued to grow, adding 45 employees and expanding programs, such as its complementary therapy offerings.

“The growth of our organization has just been incredible, and it would not have been possible if it weren’t for the support of St. Ann’s and the Carmelite Sisters along the way,” said Sara Lowe, executive director of Emmanuel Hospice. “This expansion will allow our staff the space and resources they need to continue to provide quality and compassionate care to our patients.

“As we continue to refine our services in our new space, it’s important to us to honor St. Ann’s and the Carmelite Sisters for being the supportive roots from which we could flourish. Our partnership will remain strong with St. Ann’s and our other partners, Clark, Porter Hills and Sunset.”

Since opening its doors, Emmanuel Hospice has grown to care for more than 95 families a day in the four-county area. Last year, the organization cared for more than 455 patients and an estimated 1,365 caregivers who supported them on their end-of-life journeys.

Additionally, Emmanuel Hospice has:

  • Provided grief counseling and support services to 3,025 family members and friends
  • Served 915 community members through grief support programs
  • Provided education on end-of-life issues to 3,165 area residents
  • Benefited from more than 40 volunteers who donated more than 9,100 hours of time to provide comfort, care and support to patients and families

Emmanuel Hospice recently hired a massage therapist to support the organization’s growing portfolio of complementary therapy offerings, which includes music therapy, massage therapy, companionship and journaling sessions, as well as acupuncture and acupressure. Emmanuel also offers a pet visitors program and essential oils.

Emmanuel Hospice Awarded Photojournalism Grant Through Funraise

Emmanuel Hospice has been awarded a photojournalism grant valued at $35,000 by digital fundraising platform Funraise to capture patient stories and the unparalleled compassion of employees.

Emmanuel Hospice applied and received the grant near the end of 2018, chosen from several hundred applications due to its extraordinary care and devotion to their patients and outlook on the end-of-life journey.

Emmanuel’s application read in part: “Caring for the dying is not a glamorous job. In fact, it can be messy, emotionally draining, and exhausting. But it can also be joyful. It can be funny. And it can certainly be rewarding. That’s what we would love to have captured through professional images. To share the full experience of the dying with our community, and beyond. To show people that this work, while it is difficult, is also deeply profound.”

The grant will engage California photographer and videographer Alexander Pavone for one week, including his travel and lodging. Pavone will spend the week at Emmanuel Hospice in the late summer, documenting patient stories and employees’ dedication to upholding patient dignity in end-of-life care to be used for Emmanuel’s website, social media and promotional materials.

“We are really looking forward to seeing Alex’s work and how he sees our work through the lens,” said Katie Joseph, director of development at Emmanuel Hospice. “Our goal is to offer a glimpse into the reality of dying, which we believe is foundational in helping our society embrace death and live well.”

As noted in its mission statement, Emmanuel Hospice strives to provide exemplary spiritual and physical care and creating a peaceful experience for the dying. Pavone’s videos will not only provide those researching end-of-life care for their loved ones’ peace of mind, but also demonstrate the deep faith, passion and dedication at the root of all care services at Emmanuel.

Known for working with nonprofits, Funraise chose to allot a portion of its own marketing budget into several grants for capacity building, staff training and more.