July 27, 2007

Hospice of the Valley awarded Cisco Foundation grant for Transitions Program

Hospice of the Valley (HOV), the leading provider and educator of end-of-life care and bereavement services in Santa Clara County, was recently awarded a $15,000 grant for their Transitions program though Cisco Systems Foundation’s San Jose Impact Grant Program. Transitions is a volunteer-based community service program designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families facing a life-limiting illness. Clients of the Transitions program have a life expectancy of one year or less and are not yet ready, appropriate, or eligible for hospice care.

“Transitions is about choice, options and making informed decisions regarding one’s end-of-life wishes,” said Randy Willoughby, HOV’s Board President. “Transitions clients and their families receive emotional support, education, and practical assistance in accessing community resources and coping with a life-limiting illness. A case management approach is used to assess each client’s and family’s needs; there is no fee or charge for Transitions services.”

“Cisco and the Cisco Foundation are focused on building stronger, healthier global communities through strategic social investment that include donations, products and people expertise,” added Michael Yutrzenka, executive director of Cisco Foundation. “We are excited to be supporting local nonprofits like Hospice of the Valley who share similar values and demonstrate sustainability in both business practices and programs.”

About Hospice of the Valley
Hospice of the Valley (HOV), the first community-based hospice in Santa Clara County, has provided compassionate end-of-life care and bereavement support to over 23,000 people since 1979.  Affirming life and embracing comfort, dignity, and quality of life, HOV provides patients and families an interdisciplinary team approach to end-of-life care, which includes medical, social, psychological, spiritual, volunteer, and bereavement support.  HOV’s Community Grief Center provides individual and group grief support and is available to anyone experiencing a loss. A Children's Grief Counseling program specializes in age-appropriate counseling for children and teenagers from ages 4 through 18. Transitions, a volunteer-based community service program designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families facing life-limiting illness, provides clients with emotional support, education, and practical assistance, is sponsored by Hospice of the Valley and funded by community grants and donations. HOV is a member of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Call Hospice of the Valley at (408) 559-5600 and, for Transitions, call (408) 559-5610 or visit www.hospicevalley.org.