The Caesars Foundation
The will to do wonders.

The labyrinth is an impressive addition to the first freestanding hospice home in the State of Illinois. Improvements will enhance the beauty of the labyrinth, decrease maintenance cost and make it completely handicap accessible. A previous grant provided the funds for landscaping and placing seating around the labyrinth. There will be a ribbon cutting and ceremony naming “The Caesars Memorial Garden and Labyrinth” upon completion.

Labyrinths exist all over the world and are ancient symbols of wholeness and settings for reflection. They represent change, growth, discovery, movement and transformation. The labyrinth provides guests and staff at Joliet Area Community Hospice a place for solace, reflection and celebration. The paver project is designed to be low maintenance, durable, safe to walk, handicap accessible and to withstand plenty of use.

Every moment is precious at the end of life. Joliet Area Community Hospice cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses, supports caregivers and offers bereavement support. Hospice works with patients and families to provide comfort and preserve dignity at the end of life. Hospice care is provided in the patient’s home, nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, or the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. Hospice is appropriate for those with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of six months or less, who seek assistance for comfort rather than cure. Assistance is available for those who have no insurance coverage. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay. If financial resources are exhausted, hospice care is not denied.

The community is grateful for the support of the Caesars Foundation for its generous contribution and support of compassionate, quality end-of-life care.

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Don Williamson from Duke’s Catering presents a check for $1,850.  The Elk’s Lodge held their Annual Dinner Dance and Joliet Area Community Hospice was the recipient of the proceeds.

Joliet Area Community Hospice would like to extend our thanks and gratitude.

The confirmation class is working on their annual community service project and came up with the idea of making “Caregiver Support Bags” for the family members of patients at the Hospice Home. These bags include crossword puzzles, tissues, mints, bottled water, playing cards, etc. Brianna, Nicole, Megan, and Zoe, gathered all of the items and filled the bags. They even included a personal note to let each family know who put all of these items together for them.

“The girls had a great time putting together the Caregiver Support Bags and learned a lot about Joliet Area Community Hospice. It was our pleasure to serve you and the community.” said Tracy Kaiser.

We are so very fortunate to have the support of the community in so many age groups. Hospice really affects the entire family and Joliet Area Community Hospice is here to support the entire family during their journey.

Pictured, from left to right are – Brianna Larkin, Nicole Olsen, Megan Kaiser and Rick Kasper, Joliet Area Community Hospice CEO. Not pictured, Zoe Kasper.

Joliet Area Community Hospice is proud of Mary Ann who has coordinated our Bereavement Program for the last 9 years and has supervised counseling staff and student interns from various universities as well as the University of St. Francis. During this time, our bereavement programs for our hospice families and the community have increased significantly. In addition to providing individual counseling and a variety of support groups, Mary Ann is responsible for offering numerous educational programs and services for all in the community. This has included partnering with the Joliet Township High School “YESS” (Youth Experiencing Success in School) program, crisis and grief counseling to schools and others following community tragedies, and coordinating and running a children’s grief camp each summer.

We join the University of St. Francis in honoring her and thanking her for her many contributions and dedication. Congratulations, Mary Ann!

There is a critical need for end-of-life care for children and support for their families.

Having a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness can overwhelm a family and affect the whole family.  Joliet Area Community Hospice has been helping families in our community since 1982.  Hospice is a team-oriented and family centered approach.   The Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care interdisciplinary team helps families focus on what really matters, having quality time with their child, managing their child’s pain and avoiding unwanted hospitalizations.  The Joliet Area Community Hospice Board of Directors is committed to raising new funds for this program.

We are grateful for the support of the Will County Community Foundation.  Thank you for your generous contribution and support of compassionate, quality end-of-life care for children.   The grant will make a lasting difference.

We will provide more information shortly