“Jennifer Stewart is a go-getter with excellent clinical skills who cares deeply for her patients and has a commitment to community-based nursing,” says Julie Reynolds, Alliance Board President. Stewart was chosen for the annual Mary Ellen LaRoche Nursing Scholarship.

Stewart has been a licensed practical nurse for seven years and is enrolled at NHTI to become an RN. She serves as her agency’s infection control nurse, teaches wound care skills to RNs, and is actively involved in COVID testing and vaccinating homebound patients.

The Mary Ellen LaRoche Nursing Scholarship supports individuals currently employed in home healthcare or hospice working towards an associate, bachelor’s, or advanced nursing degree. The scholarship honors Mary Ellen LaRoche, the executive director of Carroll County Health & Home Care in Chocorua, until her death in 2009. She was a mentor to paraprofessionals and nursing staff throughout her career.

“The need for highly educated nurses is growing. We are delighted to be able to support New Hampshire nursing students who will bring diverse and valuable perspectives to the field,” said Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care CEO Gina Balkus.

Applicants for the Mary Ellen LaRoche Nursing Scholarship must be employed by a member agency, be enrolled in an educational program for at least a year, have a GPA of at least 3.0 and be recommended by a supervisor.

The Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care Alliance membership includes not-for-profit and proprietary agencies serving New Hampshire. Member agencies provide services to thousands of New Hampshire residents of all ages recovering from surgery, injury, or illness, chronic or terminal illnesses, or other conditions needing support at home.

~written by Leslie Hammond

The Rewards of Being a Hospice Volunteer

While I was familiar with Hospice for many years, I only have been a hospice volunteer with Pemi Baker Hospice and Home Health (PBHHH) since October 2021. When I retired, I began searching for volunteer work that would allow me to give back to my community. A newsletter from PBHHH arrived in my email announcing training for hospice volunteers. My family had experienced the need for hospice twice, once in Ohio and again in Florida. The relief my family and I felt when the hospice volunteers arrived was beyond measure. I want to bring the same kind of assistance to others. PBHHH given me that opportunity by providing professional training with knowledgeable nurses, doctors, social workers and other health care professionals. Their guidance has enabled me to meet the challenges of being s hospice volunteer, and I am very glad that I did it.

Connie C.

You give of yourselves day & night without end!

To the Pemi-Baker Hospice Team--Words really can't express my feelings-

Your help during one of the most difficult times of my life is SO appreciated. I'm so grateful that because of you, Doug was able to get his wish not to spend the last of his days in a hospital, but at home with those of us who loved him.

And to be constantly reassured that if I needed anything you would be there-oh my gosh-ANYTIME! Well, you people need to know how much you are appreciated. You give of yourselves day & night without end! God Bless you and thank you!

Pam O.

“Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know.”

Thank you to everyone who played a role in taking care of my mother and giving her the freedom of remaining home while suffering from dementia. Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know. A special thanks goes to Macayla and Colleen, who visited her on a regular basis, and to Lauren who was helpful in connecting us with state services.

Terry W.

“Pemi-Baker Hospice services provided kind, professional, competent services every step of the way-and even vaccinated us all for Covid/19!””

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in (Cathy, Penny, Colleen) were wonderful and a credit to your organization. Fred, you were amazing, not only for mom but for my husband and I as well. I will forever be grateful for your support, wisdom, humor and kindness, all along the end of life journey for mom. I am so deeply thankful that circumstances conspired such that mom was able to die at home, and your role made that time as seamless as it could be made.

Paula W.

Your courage during Covid-19 does not go unnoticed

Hello. We just wanted to take a moment and let you know how much we truly appreciate all that you do for us in these trying times. You're commitment to the health of our community is a special thing, and we know that you are working under stressful conditions due to the Covid 19 crisis. We realize that in order for you to treat those who may be ill, you are putting you're own lives and even you're own families lives in danger, and that is truly a courageous and honorable thing to do. We want you to know that it does not go unnoticed. Thank you all for all that you do!