MERRITT ISLAND, FL – Hospice of St. Francis will be offering Caregiver Education and Resource classes for current and future caregivers, their family and/or friend helpers at Sunflower House located in Merritt Square Mall, Merritt Island.  The training program consists of six-90 minute classes that begin on Monday, May 6 and conclude Thursday, May 23, 2013.  Classes will be held for three weeks on Monday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

All classes were developed nationally in response to the issues caregivers, themselves, identified.

Each class focuses on different issues a caregiver will face.  Hospice of St. Francis’ programs and training classes are offered free of charge to Brevard County residents.

To register, please contact Barbara Borman, RN at 321-269-4240 x 330, toll free at 866-269-4240 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Hospice of St. Francis was founded in 1977 and serves all of Brevard County with offices in Titusville and Melbourne. It is an independent, non-profit hospice serving the pain relief and symptom management needs of patients. Hospice of St. Francis provides support programs to assist with the many needs of families with ill loved ones.  For more information about patient services and support programs, please call 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Brevard County, FL–Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers.  HOSF volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands and performing many other services.  No previous experience is needed.

Training is provided at no cost to the participants.  Volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County.  To qualify for volunteering, you must attend all classes.  Two training classes are scheduled – one in Melbourne during January 2013 and one in Titusville during February 2013.

Melbourne Training Class will be held Monday, May 6, Wednesday, May 8, Monday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hospice of St. Francis, 4875 N. Wickham Rd. Ste. 104, Melbourne 32940.

Titusville Training Class will be held Mondays and Thursdays beginning June 3, 2013 and concluding Thursday, June 17, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville 32780.

For more information and to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Vicky Hamilton, Volunteer Coordinator in Titusville, or Mary Larson, Volunteer Coordinator in Melbourne, at 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free).

Hospice of St. Francis is a local, independent, non-profit organization. Established in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis is Brevard County’s first hospice.  HOSF continues to provide care for terminally ill patients and support for their families.  For more information on HOSF programs, please call 321-269-4240/866-269-4240 (toll free) or visit our website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Cocoa Beach, FL – It is time for the 9th Annual Fiesta Brevard!  Over 20 of Brevard’s finest Non-Profit Organizations are planning the party.  Join the fun on Friday, April 26, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the International Palms Resort, located at 1300 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach.  Festivities include a children’s activity area sponsored by Early Learning Coalition, live non-stop entertainment, Latin dance performances, games, drawings, raffles, salsa contest, Fiesta Hat Parade and contest, lots of food and more!  Over $30,000 in prizes was given away at Fiesta Brevard 2012!  Tickets are available in advance for $10.00, or $15.00 at the door.  Advance tickets can be purchased at the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, 400 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island, through the website at www.fiestabrevard.com or from participating Brevard non-profit organizations.  Each admission ticket includes four (4) food tickets.  Cash bars will be available.

Fiesta Brevard will host the ever-popular competition for the Brevard’s Best Salsa title.  Individuals, groups and restaurants from our community compete to determine who has the ‘best salsa’ recipe on the Space Coast.  First, second and third place awards will be presented for Judges’ Choice, as well as People’s Choice (determined by Fiesta Brevard attendees).  You can enter by downloading the 2013 Salsa Contest Info Packet at www.fiestabrevard.com.  Limited space is available.

Participants will be showing off their “Fiesta Hats” in the Fiesta Hat Parade & Contest.  The public is invited to decorate their own Fiesta hat and join in the parade and contest. Winners will be chosen for first, second and third place in adult and children divisions.

Fiesta Brevard is a truly unique and fun-filled experience – Brevard County’s “feel-good event of the year”. Visit each participating non-profit organization to play a game, win a prize or take a chance on a raffle.  Every year, major prizes are given away by participating Non-Profits, and in our Grand Prize Drawing.  This year’s grand prizes include a Fiesta Treasure Basket valued at over $1,000, Visa Gift Card and other major prizes.  Grand Prize Drawing Tickets cost $5.00 for one or $20.00 for five.  Tickets can be purchased from any participating Non-Profit.  For a list of participating organizations, please check the website at www.fiestabrevard.com.

For more information, please call the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce at 321-459-2200. Fiesta Brevard is sponsored by the Non-Profit Task Force, a Committee of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce.

BREVARD COUNTY, FL – Hospice of St. Francis will be offering Caregiver Education and Resource classes for current and future caregivers and their family and/or friend helpers in three upcoming sessions of the six-90 minute classes.

The class dates and locations are as follows:

March 3, 8, 12, 15, 19 & 22, 2013
Tuesdays & Fridays – 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Martin Andersen Senior Center
1025 S. Florida Ave., Rockledge 32955

April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 & 19, 2013
Wednesdays & Fridays – 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Hospice of St. Francis
4875 N. Wickham Rd., Ste. 104, Melbourne 32940

 April 30, May 3, 7, 10, 14 & 17, 2013
Tuesdays & Fridays – 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Office
2309 Holder Rd., Mims 32754

All classes were developed nationally in response to the issues caregivers, themselves, identified. Each class focuses on different issues a caregiver will face.  Hospice of St. Francis’ programs and training classes are offered at no cost to Brevard County residents.

To register, please contact Barbara Borman, RN at 321-269-4240 x 330, toll free at 866-269-4240 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Hospice of St. Francis was founded in 1977 and serves all of Brevard County with offices in Titusville and Melbourne. It is an independent, non-profit hospice serving the pain relief and symptom management needs of patients. Hospice of St. Francis provides support programs to assist with the many needs of families with ill loved ones.  For more information about patient services and support programs, please call 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

MELBOURNE, FL – Hospice of St. Francis will be offering Caregiver Education and Resource classes for current and future caregivers, their family and/or friend helpers at Hospice of St. Francis’ Melbourne office located at 4875 N. Wickham Rd., Ste. 104. The training program consists of six-90 minute classes that begin on Wednesday, April 3 and conclude Friday, April 19, 2013. Classes will be held for three weeks on Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

All classes were developed nationally in response to the issues caregivers, themselves, identified.
Each class focuses on different issues a caregiver will face. Hospice of St. Francis’ programs and training classes are offered free of charge to Brevard County residents.

To register, please contact Barbara Borman, RN at 321-269-4240 x 330, toll free at 866-269-4240 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Hospice of St. Francis was founded in 1977 and serves all of Brevard County with offices in Titusville and Melbourne. It is an independent, non-profit hospice serving the pain relief and symptom management needs of patients. Hospice of St. Francis provides support programs to assist with the many needs of families with ill loved ones. For more information about patient services and support programs, please call 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Titusville, FL–Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers.  HOSF volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands and performing many other services.  No previous experience is needed.

Training is provided at no cost to the participants.  Volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County.  To qualify for volunteering, you must attend all classes.

Titusville Training Class will be held Monday, February 4; Thursday February 7; Monday, February 11; and Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville 32780.

For more information and to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Vicky Hamilton, Volunteer Coordinator in Titusville at 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free).

Hospice of St. Francis is a local, independent, non-profit organization. Established in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis is Brevard County’s first hospice.  HOSF continues to provide care for terminally ill patients and support for their families.  For more information on HOSF programs, please call 321-269-4240/866-269-4240 (toll free) or visit our website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Brevard County, FL–Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers.  HOSF volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands and performing many other services.  No previous experience is needed.

Training is provided at no cost to the participants.  Volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County.  To qualify for volunteering, you must attend all classes.  Two training classes are scheduled – one in Melbourne during January 2013 and one in Titusville during February 2013.

Melbourne Training Class will be held Tuesday, January 8 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, January 12 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, January 15, 2013 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hospice of St. Francis, 4875 N. Wickham Rd. Ste. 104, Melbourne 32940

Titusville Training Class will be held Monday, February 4; Thursday February 7; Monday, February 11; and Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville 32780

For more information and to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Vicky Hamilton, Volunteer Coordinator in Titusville, or Mary Larson, Volunteer Coordinator in Melbourne, at 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free).

Hospice of St. Francis is a local, independent, non-profit organization. Established in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis is Brevard County’s first hospice.  HOSF continues to provide care for terminally ill patients and support for their families.  For more information on HOSF programs, please call 321-269-4240/866-269-4240 (toll free) or visit our website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

BREVARD COUNTY, FL – Hospice of St. Francis will be offering Caregiver Education and Resource classes for current and future caregivers and their family and/or friend helpers at a north and south Brevard location in January 2013.  The training program consists of six-90 minute classes.

The class series dates and locations are as follows:

North Brevard class held Tuesdays and Fridays
January 8, 11, 15, 18, 22 and 25, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church, 2399 Holder Road, Mims, FL 32754

South Brevard class held Wednesday and Friday
January 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Hospice of St. Francis, 4875 N. Wickham Road, Ste. 104, Melbourne, FL 32940

All classes were developed nationally in response to the issues caregivers, themselves, identified.

Each class focuses on different issues a caregiver will face.  Hospice of St. Francis’ programs and training classes are offered at no cost to Brevard County residents.

To register, please contact Barbara Borman, RN at 321-269-4240 x 330, toll free at 866-269-4240 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Hospice of St. Francis was founded in 1977 and serves all of Brevard County with offices in Titusville and Melbourne. It is an independent, non-profit hospice serving the pain relief and symptom management needs of patients. Hospice of St. Francis provides support programs to assist with the many needs of families with ill loved ones.  For more information about patient services and support programs, please call 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Melbourne, FL–Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers.  HOSF volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands and performing many other services.  No previous experience is needed.  Training is provided at no cost to the participants.  Volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County.

Class will be held:

Monday, December 10; Friday, December 14; Monday, December 17 and Friday, December 21, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at  Hospice of St. Francis, 4875 N. Wickham Rd. Ste. 104, Melbourne 32940

For more information and to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Mary Larson, Volunteer Coordinator in Melbourne, at 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free).

Hospice of St. Francis is a local, non-sectarian, non-profit organization. Established in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis is Brevard County’s first hospice.  HOSF continues to provide care for terminally ill patients and support for their families.  For more information on HOSF programs, please call 321-269-4240/866-269-4240 (toll free) or visit our website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

BREVARD COUNTY, FL – Hospice of St. Francis’ purpose is to provide care, compassion and comfort for Brevard residents, nearing end-of-life, and their families.  Volunteers play an important part in fulfilling that mission. Providing more volunteer hours than the national average, Hospice of St Francis volunteers were honored for their contributions at an Appreciation Dinner held November 9, 2012.

Volunteer, Tim Brown, received recognition for contributing 333 patient support hours in the past year.  Tim transports patients, provides visits, errands, respite and has even visited patients in his Santa Claus suit.  Tim also volunteers with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Meals on Wheels and homeless veterans.

Volunteer, Carl Dome, was acknowledged for volunteering 495 hours in administrative support.  Carl works in the office providing administrative support to the bereavement and admissions teams in addition to couriering.

Several volunteers celebrated milestone anniversaries:  Lisa Aaron, Frank Ballistreri, Martha Hyde, Pat Widick and Joyce Wilson with five years of service; Amy Boland, Loretta Kerr and Bonnie Thompson with 10 years of service and Betty Kitchens with 15 years of service.

In addition to honoring the specially trained volunteers, community crafters were recognized for donating Alzheimer’s activity aprons, lap robes, clothes protectors and handcrafted cards for hospice patients.

“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers and community support to help uplift the lives of our patients and their families,” said Bruce Wolters, President of Hospice of St. Francis.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please call 321-269-4240 and ask for Volunteer Coordinator Vicky Hamilton at the Titusville Office or Mary Larson at the Melbourne Office.  Hospice of St. Francis, Brevard County’s first hospice, is an independent, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing care for patients and support for loved ones.  For additional information on programs and services, please call 321-269-4240, 866-269-4240 toll free or visit our website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.