“People will never forget how you made them feel.”
—Maya Angelou
OUR MISSION
Improving quality of life through compassionate patient care, wherever you call home.
OUR VISION
To be the leading home care partner, applying innovation to support staff, program growth, and our community.
OUR VALUES
• To affirm the dignity and worth of human life.
• To promote creativity and lifelong learning in an atmosphere of cooperation, teamwork and fairness.
• To be trustworthy and maintain integrity in all of our interactions.
• To be a financially viable, cost-effective, not-for-profit organization.
• To maintain excellence as evidenced by positive, measurable outcomes.
• To be adaptable in an evolving environment.
“People will never forget how you made them feel.”
VNA Home Health patient Jim Householder paused for a photo with his care team: Audrey Welch, PT; Dawn Jackson, OT; Kayla Gibbs, CPTA; and Claire Zabokrtsky, RN.
MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Cynthia Lewis, M.H.S.A.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This is one of my favorite quotes from the gifted poet, Maya Angelou. How VNA staff make people feel is not just the underlying message of this annual report. It is the tenet of our daily work — not only for what we give, but also for what we receive from those for whom we provide care.
Our Home Health program, the program on which VNA was founded, employs a variety of professionals from different backgrounds and many locations throughout Douglas County and surrounding communities. They come together as nurses, rehabilitation therapists, and personal care aides to support the nearly 1,000 patients who entrust us with their post-hospital recovery or effort to avoid a hospital stay. The story shared in this report is but one example of how that team — together with community partners — creatively addressed a challenge that helped those patients feel relief and the team’s compassion.
Hospice care has formally been part of VNA’s continuum since 1981. Based on messages I receive and stories I hear, Hospice is the program through which people “feel all the feels.” Moving with a patient and their family through that end-of-life journey requires unique talents and a special spirit. The nurse highlighted in the Hospice section of the report is the personification of all the qualities desired in someone you want on that journey with you or your family member — not to mention that she provides continuous delight to us all with her stories, jokes, or a “did she really say that?” remark. We cherish the way Nonie makes us feel.
VNA’s Help at Home program turned 15 in 2024. It is the program that perhaps most directly impacts how those it serves feel as the staff provide personal care and/or companionship. As you see from the May celebration, there is a large number of very special individuals who help our friends and neighbors age in place. Who of us doesn’t want to feel the joy of that opportunity? Throughout its history, Help at Home has provided more than 300,000 hours of such joy.
This report also provides numerous examples of how you in our community feel about VNA. The support we receive from grantors, private donors, and many volunteers is an indication that our service and mission is valued. We cannot accomplish all we do without each of you and what you bring to our organization.
In my nearly 17 years at VNA, I’ve always felt a common thread among the staff regardless of their role. Each one cares how they make others feel. Even through the most challenging moments, they care. I hope you feel that caring as you revisit 2024 through this report.
Cynthia Lewis CEO, Visiting Nurses Association
HOSPICE
It takes a special person to provide Hospice care. Hospice workers face many of the same challenges as other healthcare workers, but they have the added stressor of knowing, with very rare exceptions, their patients will die while on service. This is the reality of end-of-life care. It can be difficult for all involved, but it is a vital part of the healthcare continuum.
One noble individual who provides Hospice care for VNA is Nonie Johns. She started working as an LPN for VNA in October 2022, after working in hospitals for 50 years. Nonie contributes to VNA’s Home Health and Hospice programs and has a reverence for her work. “It is a sacred mission,” she said. “I do it with my heart, my spirit, and my sense of humor.”
It is Nonie’s respect for her patients, her candor, and her sense of humor that help her connect with patients and their families. These same qualities also help her bond and share strong working relationships with her colleagues at VNA. “My coworkers are the real gift,” Nonie said. “We all work together and we all respect each other.”
Nonie demonstrates her appreciation for her coworkers through her willingness to contribute in staff activities. She is always willing to provide a laugh or education for her colleagues. She is also willing to share her lovely singing voice and did so at VNA’s Blessing of the Hands Ceremony in April 2024. This special ceremony honors the commitment of VNA’s staff and the crucial work they do every day. Nonie sang a short, beautiful song to aptly wrap up the wonderful occasion.
8,652 Hospice visits in 2024
206 Hospice patients served in 2024
16,360 hours of Help at Home care provided in 2024
145 Help at Home patients served in 2024
18,568 Home Health visits in 2024
986 Home Health patients served in 2024
Nonie Johns, LPN
Nonie Johns, third from left, stood with her fellow coworkers and sang as part of a Blessing of the Hands ceremony.
HOME HEALTH: A COLLABORATION OF CARING
At VNA, Home Health is not merely about serving our patients’ physical health. We promote whole health care — mind, body, heart, and soul. When we see a need, we never look away. We step in.
8,652 Hospice visits in 2024
206 Hospice patients served in 2024
The wonderful thing is there are others in the community who step in as well. VNA had the honor to work with such organizations this past fall when our Occupational Therapy (OT) team became aware of an overwhelming situation for patients they were caring for in their home. The couple’s love for cats had turned into an unhealthy environment with 13 in their care, and with the decision to move to assisted living, the felines were facing an uncertain future. The OT team quickly put out a call for help within our organization — and at VNA, we answer the call.
Big-hearted organizations like the Lawrence Humane Society and Project Lively collaborated with VNA to develop a plan to capture and rehome the cats over several weeks. Many went to homes immediately, while the humane society generously opened their arms to care for the remaining cats. Because of the teamwork of huge hearts, both cats and humans had a brighter future ahead. This type of partnership fills VNA with pride where we all play a role in making our community better. Our OT team could not make us prouder for going above and beyond in patient care — to not see “just a patient,” but a person in need. VNA is a group effort, with everyone bringing their own skills and talent to create a team. And we would like to think our team has gotten a little bit bigger this year with the organizations we worked with on this project. We know we are stronger when we work together. We can accomplish more when we work as a community where we excel as collaborators in compassionate care.
16,360 hours of Help at Home care provided in 2024
145 Help at Home patients served in 2024
18,568 Home Health visits in 2024
986 Home Health patients served in 2024
VNA is grateful for gifts from all
574 donors in 2024
Visit KansasVNA.org to see a complete list of donors.
VNA’s Community Wellness Liaison Kristine Weinberger, left, delivered the last of the cats to the Lawrence Humane Society for rehoming.
HELP AT HOME CELEBRATES 15 YEARS!
VNA’s non-medical care program, Help at Home, was launched in May 2009, initially as Private Duty, to provide support services to help community members age in place. This enhancement to VNA’s continuum of care inspired the slogan, “all your home care needs under one roof.”
“I like to think that we have a special group of staff who provides care to the most vulnerable population in our community,” said Pat Deaver, VNA’s Help at Home Manager. “We provide one-on-one care with our patients and hopefully bring a little sunshine to their day.”
VNA’s staff celebrated the Help at Home program’s milestone anniversary and program staff at the quarterly all-agency meeting in May. Help at Home provided nearly 305,000 hours of care to more than 2,151 patients in its first 15 years.
“Help at Home has grown from a seed and blossomed into a beautiful flower,” said Pat. “We started small and have increased our visibility in the community. In the beginning we served a small handful of people and we have grown that number to over 100. We will continue to spread our wings and help the elderly or anyone who needs care in our community.”
8,652 Hospice visits in 2024
206 Hospice patients served in 2024
16,360 hours of Help at Home care provided in 2024
145 Help at Home patients served in 2024
4 Help at Home staff was recognized for helping people safely maintain their independence.
18,568 Home Health visits in 2024
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT IN ACTION: LAUNCH OF THE COMMUNITY WELLNESS PROGRAM
Just as the Douglas County community has supported VNA throughout its 55-year history, VNA remains deeply committed to giving back in meaningful and lasting ways. In 2024, this commitment was exemplified through the launch of a new initiative designed to enrich the lives of older adults in our area — the Community Wellness Program.
This innovative program focuses on enhancing the well-being of the aging population across Douglas County. Led by Community Wellness Liaison Kristine Weinberger, the program brings engaging and uplifting activities directly to residents of adult living facilities in Lawrence several times each month. Whether it’s balloon volleyball, paper plate Olympics, painting rocks to hide throughout the community, or creating suncatchers to brighten their homes, each activity is thoughtfully designed to inspire joy, creativity, and connection. These gatherings not only bring smiles to participants’ faces but also foster a stronger, more inclusive sense of community.
Through programs like this, VNA continues to honor its mission of compassionate care while expanding its role as a vital partner in promoting health, happiness, and dignity for all residents of Douglas County.
A group of local high school students visited VNA’s office in June to learn about the organization as part of the LMH Health Leadership Academy.
Members of VNA’s Business Development and Marketing team proudly walked in the Veteran’s Day Parade on November 9 in support and celebration of Veterans.
The Community Health Facility’s occupants — Visiting Nurses, Bert Nash, and LDC Public Health — celebrated the 25th anniversary of calling the building home in August.
VNA launched the Community Wellness Program to inspire joy, creativity, and connection.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR VNA
Community support has been crucial to VNA’s mission from the very beginning. This support allows VNA to care for patients regardless of their ability to pay for services. Here are some of the generous organizations that supported VNA’s mission in 2024:
GRANT SUPPORT
• The Douglas County Community Foundation funded a $9,943 grant request for the purchase of a new server. Individual donors helped fund the remaining costs related to the new server.
• The Ethel and Raymond F. Rice Foundation funded VNA’s $120,000 grant request to support VNA’s ability to provide care for patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay for services.
• The Midco Foundation funded a $1,000 grant request for the purchase of a bariatric scale to safely allow for accurate weight measurements of patients with conditions like heart failure that require close monitoring.
• The Enterprise Mobility Foundation awarded VNA a $1,500 grant for the purchase of MedReady Medication Dispensers, devices that dispense meds at set times to help ensure accurate and consistent use of vital medication.
Members
In
We were (and are!) grateful for all the ways the community shows its support for VNA.
VNA’s Hospice volunteers and office volunteers always make important contributions throughout the year.
April, the office volunteers made some lovely signs for plants in VNA’s Memorial Garden.
The Kaw Valley Scottish Rite invited some VNA staff members to attend a meeting and enjoy dinner with them, and then presented them with a generous donation to VNA.
of the Kansas City Parrot Head Club stopped by VNA’s office in April with a very kind donation.
The Dillons Floral Department at 6th and Wakarusa continued to support VNA with donations for flower deliveries VNA staff members made for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
VNA also receives volunteer support from the community. In April, some members of the 2024 Leadership Lawrence class stopped by to learn about VNA and help prepare the Hospice Memorial Garden for spring.
MAKING WORK FUN
HENRY’S CITIZENSHIP
Celebrating a milestone moment, Henry Nguyen, Accounting & Payroll Specialist, was honored with a heartfelt citizenship party in April 2024. Surrounded by his colleagues and friends from the VNA team, the celebration marked Henry’s official recognition as a U.S. citizen, a proud achievement reflecting years of dedication. The event was filled with laughter and joy, as staff gathered to show their support and share in this significant chapter in Henry’s journey.
SWELL COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
VNA’s Swell (Social & Wellness) Committee puts together fun activities throughout the year to encourage staff wellness, bring joy, and allow staff to bond.
Grilled Cheese Day was a great opportunity for staff to enjoy a classic comfort food with their colleagues.
VNA’s Employee Appreciation Dinner is an annual event for staff to enjoy each other’s company and have some fun outside of work. The 2024 theme was “dress like the year you turned 18.”
VNA’s employees took part in an annual Halloween costume and gross-out food contest. It is a great opportunity for staff to have some extra fun with their colleagues.
VNA staff hosted a celebration to mark Henry Nguyen’s official recognition as a U.S. citizen.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: JANICE WATTS NAMED
2024 MARCEIL LAUPPE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Every organization is strengthened by individuals who go above and beyond — not just in their job performance, but in how they uplift others. At VNA, we are proud to recognize Janice Watts as the 2024 recipient of the Marceil Lauppe Employee of the Year Award, a testament to her exceptional dedication, compassion, and team spirit.
Janice approaches each day with a steadfast commitment to treating every patient and employee with dignity and respect. Whether she’s offering comfort during a tearful loss or calmly assisting a frustrated caller, Janice listens with compassion and responds with empathy. Her calm and reassuring presence leaves a lasting impact on those she serves, helping individuals feel heard and supported during some of their most difficult moments.
In addition to excelling in her role, Janice has taken on responsibilities beyond her job description with grace and enthusiasm. She embraces new challenges with a willingness to learn and adapt, reflecting the flexibility required in our ever-evolving healthcare environment.
A natural connector, Janice brings warmth and humor to the workplace. She handles conflict with ease, fosters strong relationships with her colleagues, and is often the first to lend a helping hand. Her positive attitude and genuine interest in others create a culture of camaraderie that resonates throughout VNA.
One of the most visible examples of her dedication is the VNA Memorial Garden. Janice took personal responsibility for its care and revitalization, transforming it into a cherished space that has drawn admiration from staff and visitors alike. Her initiative inspired others to join in the effort — further proof of her leadership and the strong bonds she’s built within our organization.
Janice Watts exemplifies the qualities we value most: integrity, compassion, adaptability, and teamwork. It is with great appreciation and pride that we recognize her contributions and celebrate her as the 2024 Marceil Lauppe Employee of the Year.
Janice Watts, second from left, was photographed with VNA friends and colleagues during the Employee Appreciation Dinner.
2024 FINANCIALS
2024 FUNDRAISING AND GRANTS: $486,198.24
Annual Appeal
United Way
Hospice Restricted Donation
River City Cosmo Club of Lawrence
VNA New Server Restricted Donation
Ethel and Raymond F. Rice Foundation Grant
Midco Foundation Grant
Enterprise Mobility Foundation Grant
Douglas County Community Foundation Grant
Douglas County Grant
2024 OTHER SUPPORT: $496,421.59
Memorials
Other Monetary Donations
Other In-Kind Donations
2024 TOTAL NUMBER OF MONETARY AND IN-KIND DONORS: 574
2024 TOTAL REVENUE: $8,304,166.13
Patient Revenue
County Funding
Contributions/Fundraising/Grants
In-Kind Donations
Investment Income
2024 TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $8,605,450.05
Patient Care Expense
Administrative Expense
Operating Expense
Investment Expense
Many, many thanks to each of you for all you gave (and give!) to VNA.
