The Rotary Club of Akron had the opportunity to learn about Grace House during our Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Club luncheon meeting. Our guest speaker was Holly Klein, President of Grace House.
Fourteen of Holly's twenty-two years as a registered nurse have been spent providing hands-on care and leadership in hospice and palliative care. She has a baccalaureate degree in Nursing and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management.Before I begin highlighting some of Holly’s presentation, I would like our readers to take a minute or two to think about a time someone we knew or were close to died. Were there family and friends available during that person’s remaining days or hours?
For most of us, that answer would be Yes, but this is not the case for the individuals Grace House serves.
What is the mission of Grace House Akron, Inc. (GHA)?
Providing access to end-of-life care to some of our most vulnerable community members
What is the history of GHA?
Working with hospice patients that were without a caregiver, lacked resources, or suitable living conditions led to one question. “Isn’t there more we can do?” “We should and could do more as a society to prevent patients from dying alone or in desperate conditions.” From this question, Grace House Akron was born.
GHA is grounded in the knowledge that there are too many individuals who are at the end of life with nowhere to go and no one to care for them.
GHA believes that everyone should die in the presence of care, compassion and dignity and that NO ONE should die alone.
Grace House:
- A 501c3 not-for-profit organization
- Founded in 2016
- Summa Health donated parcel of land near Saint Thomas
- $4 million dollar capital campaign in 2019 – 2021
- First resident accepted September 2022
- Only organization in Summit County providing similar services.
- No family or inability to pay can result in undignified conditions, social isolation, dying alone.
- Six bed capacity
- Over 100 volunteers
- 13 staff
- 35 residents housed since September 2022
- 92% occupancy in March 2022
- 2094 meals served.
What does Grace House Do?
- Provides a caring environment to terminally ill individuals.
- Enrolled in a hospice program.
- Cannot afford a caregiver.
- Do not have access to a caregiver.
- Provides support and acceptance to patients.
- Basic needs of food, water, shelter, and comfort are met.
- All services free-of-charge, allowing individuals to pass peacefully without financial barriers to care.
To learn more about why GHA provides this service, check out the entire recording or check out their website at www.gracehouseakron.org
How Can We Help?
- Donate.
- Shop from Amazon Wish List
- Purchase a personalized paver.
- Donations of Stocks and Bonds
- Volunteer
Yours in Service,
Terry Dalton
Club Secretary and Scholarship Chair
