Tri-Cities Chaplaincy 2023 Impact Report

“I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of hospice care. Through my 15 years here, I’ve learned to embrace every moment, to savor life’s joys, and to help others do the same. It’s not just about managing pain; it’s about living fully until the end.”

- Meiske Millward, RN, CHPN Chief Clinical Officer, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy

CEO MESSAGE

I count it both a privilege and a pleasure to reflect on Chaplaincy’s journey that was 2023. The past year has been marked by growth and realignment based on Chaplaincy’s mission to guide our community members to live their best lives, even and especially through the end of life. I am thrilled to share with you the significant impact we have made on our community, and that this community has made on Chaplaincy.

In 2023, we put a priority on strengthening our programs and services, aiming for more access. Our commitment to keeping care at the forefront has driven us to continual improvement.

Chaplaincy has several notable milestones for 2023. One is the introduction of Bubbles and Brunch- a fun event designed to both raise awareness and support for Chaplaincy’s programs. We could not have imagined the success one event could bring. In a strategic move, Cork’s Place Kids Grief Center found a new home in 2023 next to our Hospice House. This simple relocation has not only allowed for a more seamless connection between these essential facilities; it has also enhanced accessibility to our resources for the wider community. The synergy created by also bringing together our Hospice bereavement programs, and our Cork’s Place kids and grownups programs, is palpable. We believe that the power of collaboration and proximity will enable us to serve those in need more effectively.

The momentum we have gained in 2023 fuels our determination to do even more for our community in the coming years so we can all live our best lives. We remain dedicated to making a positive impact and being available as your recognized source for expert guidance during a crisis, at and through life’s end, and following a loss.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Chaplaincy’s endeavors. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, which you can read about in the following report. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Here’s to a year of continued collaboration, impact, and best living.

In gratitude,

Laurie Jackson, CEO

MISSION AND VISION

OUR MISSION

To guide our community members to live their best lives, even and especially through the end of life.

OUR VISION

Tri-Cities Chaplaincy is the recognized source for expert guidance during a crisis, at and through life’s end, and following a loss.

Our Service Area

We provide care wherever patients call home. This includes:

• Private homes

• Adult Family Homes

• Assisted Living Facilities

• Skilled Nursing Facilities

BENTON

In 2023 there were 954 patients served and nearly half of them utilized our Hospice House during their hospice journey.

EMBRACING LIFE’S FINAL CHAPTERS CAN TRANSFORM END-OF-LIFE EXPERIENCES

Our Perspective:

Imagine a life where pain and physical distress are minimized, where loved ones are relieved of the burden of caregiving, and where every moment is cherished. This is the reality we strive to create for our patients and their families. From hosting book clubs, dressing up for dinner, cheering on your grandkids at baseball games or dance recitals, to attending church services, our goal is to help individuals experience life to the fullest, surrounded by love and support, while on hospice services.

The Power of Support:

At Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, our team is more than a group of healthcare professionals – we are companions on the journey, dedicated to walking alongside our patients and their families every step of the way. Our care team includes physicians, hospice nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers. Our expert team provides care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each family.

Our mission is to help individuals live their best lives, even and especially through the end of life, we are reminded of the profound impact that advance care planning can have. When we embrace end-of-life care with compassion, dignity, and support, we can transform what may seem like a daunting journey into a meaningful and enriching experience. So let us journey together, embracing each moment and celebrating the beauty of life, one chapter at a time.

FRANKLIN

$11.5 MILLION Hospice Revenue

$1.14 MILLION Public Support and Fundraising

TOTAL REVENUE: $17.3 MILLION

$9.9 MILLION Salaries, Wages, and Benefits

$4 MILLION

$4.7 MILLION Other Income

TOTAL EXPENSES: $13.9 MILLION

FUNDRAISING BREAKDOWN

$175K EVENTS

$104,000 Campaigns

$52K Sponsors

$32K Grants

TOTAL: $1.14 MILLION

“This work is meaningful, and our team receives great satisfaction from meeting our patients where they are at and walking with them on their hospice journey, offering guidance and support along the way.”

- Cara Hernandez, Director of Community Care, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy

$777K Community Donations, Memorials, Bequests

954 patients served in 2023 on hospice care.

PALLIATIVE CARE BREAKDOWN

The reintroduction of Palliative Care services to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy service menu marked a significant milestone, beginning with a soft reopening in June and culminating in an official public announcement in November. Patient numbers began to rise in the fall indicating a demand for the specialized care provided by Chaplaincy.

Tri-Cities Chaplaincy served 19 patients in 2023 on our Palliative Care services.

Who qualifies for Palliative Care with Tri-Cities Chaplaincy?

• Those that are mentally ready for hospice but not quite medically appropriate.

• Those that are medically appropriate but are not emotionally ready for hospice care.

A PHYSICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON HOSPICE CARE

Dr. Ryan had spent years on the other side of the medical equation, administering care to patients from his position as a primary care physician. But it wasn’t until he found himself as a patient, facing a prognosis he never expected, that he truly understood the depth and significance of hospice care.

His journey into the world of hospice began with a diagnosis that shook him to his core. His own physician, the one he trusted implicitly, delivered the news that he might have only six months left to live. It was a moment that shifted his perspective entirely. Suddenly, Dr. Ryan was thrust into a realm of healthcare that he had only minimally understood before.

Dr. Ryan sought out hospice care, eager to find solace and support in his final days. What he found was a team of compassionate individuals who not only tended to his medical needs but also provided emotional and spiritual support. It was a revelation for Dr. Ryan, who had never realized the depth of care that hospice could offer.

“Hospice is in-your-face help,” he remarked, reflecting on the immediacy and attentiveness of his care team. From managing his symptoms to providing companionship during lonely moments, the hospice team became an integral part of his life.

“They made me feel comfortable in all aspects,” Dr. Ryan recalled, noting the holistic approach to his care. It was a stark contrast to his experiences as a physician, where the focus often remained solely on treating the disease rather than attending to the person as a whole.

In hindsight, Dr. Ryan couldn’t help but wish that he had known about the value of hospice care earlier in his career. As a primary care physician, he would have advocated passionately for his patients to seek out such support, recognizing now the immense difference it can make in one’s final days.

As his journey continued, Dr. Ryan’s experience taught him the importance of facing mortality with honesty and preparation, including having advance care directives in place, and knowing how to have those difficult conversations with family and friends.

Dr. Ryan died on our services and his drive at the end of his life was to advocate for the benefits of hospice care and advance care directives.

The call to action is clear: take the time to educate yourself about hospice care and advance care directives. It’s a decision that could profoundly impact the quality of life for you or your loved ones in the future.

BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM

1,067 participants in 2023

Our commitment to our patients extends far beyond their final moments. With our extensive 13-month bereavement support program, we stand by families as they navigate the grieving process, offering comfort, guidance, and support. At Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, we believe that every life is worth celebrating, remembering, and honoring.

Our bereavement support groups are facilitated by professionals and volunteers. Providing you with a safe space to heal is our primary goal.

How Are Groups Paid For?

Due to generous community support, groups are offered at no cost.

GRIEF GROUPS OFFERED BY TRI-CITIES CHAPLAINCY

For more info, how to RSVP and locations, please give us a call at (509) 783-7416 or email us at GriefSupport@ChaplaincyHealthCare.org. All groups are listed at TCCBestLife.org.

General Grief Group

Every Tuesday 5:30-6:45 p.m.

General Grief Group

Every Thursday 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Grief Book Club

Second Monday 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Gone Too Soon

Second and Fourth Thursday 6:00-7:45 p.m.

Pet Loss Support Group

Hosted in partnership with Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care (H3).

SPIRITUAL AND COMMUNITY CARE

Our Chaplains served our community for a total of

11,591 hours in 2023.

Our social workers served our patients and community for a total of

10,607 hours in 2023.

CHAPLAINS - A note from Alex Perez, Chaplain Supervisor

When we hear the word Chaplain, we often think of religion, priests, pastors, rabbis, and so many more religious figures. A chaplain is more than just a religious figure.

A Chaplain offers emotional support to patients and their families. They’re trained to be compassionate listeners and can help patients and families process their feelings, fears, and hopes. They help patients explore their beliefs and values and find meaning and comfort as they near the end of life.

Our Chaplains also provided critical incident debriefs throughout the year. Here are some of the places they were called to assist:

• Dance Studio

• Migrant farm workers

• Public Utility Districts

• Richland School District

SOCIAL WORKERS

• Pasco School District

• Kennewick School District

• City and County Agencies

Hospice social workers spend most of their time working directly with our patients, whether in the patient’s home, or care facility or at the hospice house. The social workers fulfill a variety of roles within the interdisciplinary care team and their work focuses on the goals, needs, and strengths of the patient, caregivers, family members, and greater support system(s). The role of a social worker includes: Resource brokering, emotional support of the patient and support system, planning for discharge, coordination of care, assistance in navigating often complex systems, facilitation of advance care planning discussions, education on the treatment plan and coping skills, identifying nonpharmacological symptom management strategies, providing advocacy on behalf of the patient and the family, and so much more.

In 2023 Cork’s Place Kids Grief Center built an incredible amount of momentum, starting with moving the program to Chaplaincy’s Entiat Avenue location in Kennewick. Programming shifted from school year length to 5-week programs. The restructure of curriculum and program length created a short pause in early 2023 to complete location change and create a robust program for children and adults.

Every day, I find purpose in helping others navigate their grief journey, living my best life by bringing comfort and solace to those in need.”

- Maritza Rojas Grief and Youth Specialist, Cork’s Place Kids Grief Center

“I like being in a place where talking about grief is normal, and being around other kids who have grief.”

- Ryan, Cork’s Kid

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“Cork’s Place has been a compassionate and helpful place that my two children and I have come to for several years. We have found comfort and camaraderie here. The staff and volunteer dedication has made all of the difference and we are thankful that this resources is free of charge.”

- Sandra, Cork’s Caregiver

“I think that Jacob learned he wasn’t alone, and that hopefully some of what he was feeling is normal. I appreciate the opportunity to share with other caregivers and that the Cork’s staff understand and offer tools and resources for us to use and cope with our own grief too.”

- Emily, Cork’s Caregiver

FIVE WISHES ADVANCE CARE PLANNING

17 official presentations to

community members

ELEVATING ADVANCE CARE PLANNING IN BENTON AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES

Tri-Cities Chaplaincy’s goal is to make Advance Care Planning a natural and approachable topic within our community. By raising awareness and providing accessible resources, we aim to empower individuals to take control of their healthcare journey and foster a culture of open communication around end-of-life decisions.

The Five Wishes tool is designed to facilitate conversations, document preferences, and provide clarity on a range of healthcare choices, ensuring that individuals can express their values and wishes with ease.

• It’s written in everyday language, making it easy to understand and complete.

• It covers personal, spiritual, medical and legal wishes all in one document.

• It’s legally valid in nearly every state.

• Those with an advance directive spend 10 days less in the hospital during their last two years of life.

We have given Five Wishes booklets and

We Honor Veterans and Pinning Ceremonies Chaplaincy Agency Support

Hospice House and In-Home

Tri-Cities Chaplaincy volunteers served

4,839 total hours in 2023

Bereavement

Cork’s Place

“Volunteering at TCC Hospice House has been a profoundly rewarding experience for me. It’s a place where compassion, empathy, and genuine care for individuals facing the end of life take center stage.”

- Kristine Glasgow, Hospice House / Admin Volunteer

“I volunteer with Chaplaincy mainly because of the positive experience I had with Hospice as my parents were dying.”

- Kathrine Bray, Hospice / Delivery Volunteer

“Because of the positive experience my family had with hospice, I feel compelled to give back. “

- Alex Emig, Hospice House Volunteer

OUR CHAMPIONS OF CARE

PRESENTING CHAMPIONS

Thank you for being our partners in caring for our community!

GOLD CHAMPIONS

SILVER CHAMPIONS

BRONZE CHAMPIONS

PARTNERS IN CARE

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

MEMBER CONGREGATIONS

All Saint’s Episcopal Church

Bethel Church

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Central Church

Christ the King Catholic Parish

Church of the Nazarene, Richland

Columbia Community Church

Congregation Beth Sholom

Eltopia United Church of Christ

First Christian Church, Kennewick

First Lutheran Church, Kennewick

First Lutheran Church, Pasco

First Presbyterian Church, Kennewick

First United Methodist Church, Kennewick

God’s New Generation Church

Kennewick Nazarene Church

Lord of Life Lutheran Church

Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church

Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

Northwest United Protestant Church

Parish of the Holy Spirit

Redeemer Lutheran Church

Richland Lutheran Church

Riverview Adventist Church, Pasco

Riverview United Methodist Church

Shalom United Church of Christ

Southside Church

St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish

St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

West Highland United Methodist Church

West Side Church

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Farion Williams, Board Chair | Associate Dean of Clinical Education, WSU College of Medicine | At-Large Member

Bruce Covert, Board Vice Chair | Senior Vice President, Amentum | Member Congregation: Christ the King

George Cicotte | Owner, Cicotte Law Firm | At-Large Member

Dr. Navdeep Gill | Palliative Care Director, Providence Richland | At-Large Member

Laurie Gruel | Associate Pastor | Member Congregation: Southside Church

Derek Johnson | Associate General Counsel, Gravis Law | At-Large Member

Ralph Keineker | Lead Pastor | Member Congregation: West Side Church

Barbara Mead | Retired, formerly Vice President of Lourdes Counseling Services | At-Large Member

Hannah Peterson Shearer | Pastor | Member Congregation: Kennewick First Presbyterian Church

Scott Sarber | CEO, Petersen Hastings | Member Congregation: Columbia Bible Church

Heather Smith | CDI Supervisor, Trios Health | At-Large Member

Quinn Smith | Physician, Columbia River Eye Center | Congregation: Shalom United Church of Christ