December 1, 2024 Submitted by Beth Porter
Beth: How did you first get involved with NVNA and Hospice?
Renee: I’ve been CEO since 2016, but I began here as a field nurse over 20 years ago. There were maybe six nurses, and we served only Scituate and Norwell. It’s been remarkable to witness how our scope has grown over those years. We now serve 27 towns and have an average of 1200 patients each day in home health, hospice and palliative care. And, of course, we now have the Pat Roche Hospice Home. Throughout it all, our mission has never changed. We focus on quality, patient experience, and employee engagement.
Beth: What is special about NVNA and Hospice?
Renee: What sets us apart is that we are an independent nonprofit truly dedicated to quality patient care. The headline we often see is the push for profit over care, but that’s not our story. Our entire team is committed to this community and to their profession.
We’re also committed to caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, which is challenging amid damaging Medicare cuts and reduced reimbursement rates. Our Pat Roche Hospice Home loses money each year but offers a vital service for our community. For example, we cared for a mother who didn’t want to die at home because of her young children and she was able to use our hospice home to fulfill that wish. It’s important that we’re able to be there for patients and families like these.
The success of our mission truly relies on the generosity of donors who value our work and are committed to helping us. Over the last 10 years, we’ve raised over $25 million for patient care and launched a new campaign this year, chaired by local philanthropists Kitty and Tim Pinch, to raise funds for both our hospice and palliative care programs. The campaign is currently in its quiet phase.
Beth: How can someone get involved with NVNA and Hospice?
Renee: On a basic level, one of the best ways is simply by spreading the word so that your neighbors, family, and friends are aware we’re here for them. It’s so valuable to hear stories of how our team has made a positive impact on a patient’s life or care experience.
Volunteering is another fantastic way to give back. We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. I see each day how the time and talents of our volunteers make a difference. They read, play music, and bear witness to our 225 homevhospice patients’ lives and stories. They cook, clean, and do yard work at the hospice home. Some choose to do administrative work at our offices. All is so valuable for us.
Our greatest need right now is for someone to manage the kitchen on the weekends at the hospice home.
Beth: How can someone learn more about volunteering?
Renee: Visit https://www.nvna.org/volunteer-opportunities. That will connect you with our volunteer coordinator so you can explore what makes sense and feels right for you.
Beth: What else would you like people to know about NVNA and Hospice?
Renee: First and foremost, that we are community-based care. We’re the only organization in the area holding a 5-star patient experience rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We’re the only provider of home-based palliative services in the region, and I see us continuing to grow and advance.
Thanks to the incredible contributions of our donors and the dedication of our local advocates, we’re poised to grow at a time when many organizations of our size are closing or reducing services. This means fewer options for more patients. We have an obligation to step up to this very real challenge.
Beth Porter is a local consultant with 35+ years of experience in nonprofit management. She partners with local nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic projects bringing a fresh perspective, calm energy, and lots of tools. Contact her at beth@bcpnonprofitconsulting.com to learn more.