Carlsbad CA– Thanks to generous sponsorship, Hospice of the North Coast (HNC) was able to offer its annual full day of the “Healing Outdoor Play Experience” known as ‘Camp H.O.P.E.’ completely free to more than 40 children and family members on June 14, 2014. According to Bereavement Director Ti Johnson, the retreat at Vista’s Green Oak Ranch was priceless.
She notes, “It was heartwarming to see campers in their past and current Camp H.O.P.E. t-shirts playing with therapy dogs, sharing stories and hugs, enjoying crafts and relaxing therapies, connecting with others grieving the loss of a loved one and just having fun in the sun without the weighty burden of grief for a few hours. We even infused a bit of magic in the day, with an exciting performance by professional magician Mike Stilwell.”
Camp H.O.P.E. was supported by the Gumpert Foundation, Coastal Community Foundation, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and HNC Board President Bobbie Hoder.
Nonprofit Hospice of the North Coast was established in 1980 to fill the need for comprehensive, compassionate hospice care in North County San Diego. Since its inception, it has grown in services, staff and clients. It currently provides a full spectrum of programs to terminally ill clients and their families, including anticipatory and post-death bereavement support, as well as a Pathways Program for those with a declining chronic disease. To fulfill its goal of maintaining dignity, comfort and highest quality of life for those it serves, regardless of ability to pay, HNC hosts fundraising events, operates a resale shop and maintains a cadre of volunteers. HNC’s Pacifica House in-patient residence in Carlsbad, which opened in 2013, is the first such freestanding facility in North County.