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September Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014 - 2025

September 2026

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Special Thank You to our Amazing
Wine and Chocolate
Volunteers!

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JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE You can make a big impact with Hospice of the Valleys by supporting our Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain - exceptional hospice nurses •Provide ongoing training and - professional development - Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay YOUR MONTHLY GIFT MAKES A Difference $10 - 'We Honor Veterans' Pinning for One Patient $25 - Comfort Supplies for Ten Patients $50 - Medication Copays for Ten Patients $100 - Clinical Staff Transportation to Four Patient Visits

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Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

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compassionate-presence

August Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014 - 2025

August 2026

Buy Tickets Today! $140 Click Here

JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE You can make a big impact with Hospice of the Valleys by supporting our Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain - exceptional hospice nurses •Provide ongoing training and - professional development - Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay YOUR MONTHLY GIFT MAKES A Difference $10 - 'We Honor Veterans' Pinning for One Patient $25 - Comfort Supplies for Ten Patients $50 - Medication Copays for Ten Patients $100 - Clinical Staff Transportation to Four Patient Visits

NOTES FROM FRIENDS Hospice of the Valleys serves hundreds of patients every year. We honor them by sharing their stories. They remind us every day of the meaning and purpose of our work and that human connection is at the heart of the hospice experience. The following are notes Hospice of the Valleys has received from the families of patients that we have been privileged to provide hospice care. "We will never be able to thank you enough- not EVER! You have cared for two family members over the years and we wouldn't have made it through without you." "Thank you from our entire family. We are deeply grateful for the care, respect, support and kindness you showed our beloved Dad during his time of need."

Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

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HELP SUPPORT DEPLOYED TROOPS! MILITARY CARE PACKING EVENT JOIN US TO ASSEMBLE CARE PACKAGES FOR DEPLOYED MEN AND WOMEN OVERSEAS! AUGUST 22, 2026 | 3:30PM - 5:30PM Hosted by Branches Military Ministry and the Welcome Home Ministry ORCHARD CHURCH-39777 AVENIDA ACACIAS, MURRIETA RSVP REQUIRED as space is limited: www.milvet.org/orchard2026 CAN'T ATTEND? to help with shipping costs: www.milvet.org/military-care-packages FOR SPONSORSHIPS OR QUESTIONS info@milvet.org (951) 384-0110

Volunteer Corner Thank you to all of our extraordinary volunteers, your support means the world to us. You are truly a blessing to us all!

Good Vibes Mike Patton Bereavement Counselor/Spiritual Care At the birth of our first child, I had been set up for the spectacular. My friend described the experience of "becoming a dad" as an "out of this world, worshipful moment of indescribable emotion." So when Melissa was born, leaving her mother's weary body into the hands of the OB/GYN, and I stood in anticipation of the glory of heaven filling the room... our baby turned her head toward me and stuck out her tongue! Wow, I thought, not at all what I imagined! In retrospect, it may have been the most spectacular and honest thing that could have happened to me. Melissa is 36 years old, a licensed clinical social worker, and someone I truly enjoy as my daughter and a fellow professional in the people business. We both enjoy the task of connecting people with hopeful ideas and practices that contribute to their overall wellness, often coming from their own reflection and engagement in conversation. Good vibes are those positive feelings and thoughts surrounding contact and communication with another person. We contribute to the good vibes by steering positive, or humorous, or grateful in the communication process. Not at the expense of authenticity or avoiding difficult circumstances, but with the confidence and joy of being a resource person and believing in a positive outcome. Anticipation of positive outcomes is fuel for good vibes. My friend's experience of the spectacular in becoming a dad contributed to his anticipation of a similar outcome for me. He definitely shared with pure intention and it was a good vibe. The lesson for me was that my wonderful experience of becoming a dad was... well, different! I have often laughed out loud recalling this experience, leaning into the "fair warning" my first of three daughters gave me heading into fatherhood! We have the ability to contribute good vibes, anticipating positive outcomes for the people we interact with, finding a path toward the positive, funny, and/or grateful. In our team meetings at Hospice of the Valleys, I find it very refreshing to work with a team of professionals who are committed to the stated mission and values of the organization, which are foundational for putting out 'good vibes.' We are good at giving our patients and their family a soft landing, a serious business in deed, and we do it in an atmosphere of positivity, humor and gratitude. A take away: when the world sticks its tongue out at you, find the humor in it and carry on. You will be on your way to putting out "good, good, good... good vibrations"!

Catch Some Fun - and Get Your Vitamin D Fix Leslee B. Cochrane, MD Executive Medical Director Vitamin D has long been recognized as an essential nutrient for overall health. While most people associate Vitamin D with strong bones, research continues to demonstrate its important role in supporting muscle function, cardiovascular health, immune function, and overall well-being. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, muscle weakness, certain autoimmune disorders, and some cancers. Vitamin D is unique because it functions as both a vitamin and a hormone. Unlike most nutrients, your body can produce Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Once activated by the liver and kidneys, Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the bloodstream, supporting healthy bones, muscles, nerves, and immune system function. The longer days of summer provide a great opportunity to optimize your health while enjoying the outdoors. Although excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, completely avoiding sunlight may also have unintended health consequences. The key is moderation. Sensible sun exposure can help maintain healthy Vitamin D levels while providing additional benefits such as improved mood, better sleep quality, and increased physical activity. Many experts recommend brief periods of direct sun exposure several times per week, depending on factors such as skin tone, age, geographic location, season, and time of day. However, the amount of sunlight needed to produce adequate Vitamin D varies significantly from person to person. Individuals at increased risk for Vitamin D deficiency include older adults, people with obesity, individuals with darker skin pigmentation, those who spend most of their time indoors, and people with certain digestive disorders that impair nutrient absorption. Dietary sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, egg yolks, fortified dairy products, and fortified plant-based milk alternatives. However, many people do not obtain sufficient Vitamin D through diet alone. As a result, supplementation may be beneficial for some individuals. Current recommendations vary based on age, health status, and individual risk factors, so it is important to discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider. If you are concerned about a possible Vitamin D deficiency, your healthcare provider can order a simple blood test to measure your Vitamin D level and determine whether supplementation may be appropriate. In addition to supporting Vitamin D production, spending time outdoors has been associated with improved mood, reduced stress, better sleep patterns, and increased opportunities for physical activity. To safely enjoy the benefits of sunshine, consider the following guidelines: - Protect your face, ears, and other sensitive areas with sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. - Spend short periods of time outdoors regularly while avoiding sunburn. - Seek shade during peak sunlight hours when UV radiation is strongest. - Use sunscreen when prolonged outdoor exposure is anticipated. Stay well hydrated and take extra precautions during periods of extreme heat. California's beautiful climate provides year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it's taking a walk, gardening, hiking, or simply relaxing outside, spending time in the sunshine can be an enjoyable way to support both your physical and emotional well-being. So get outside, catch some sunshine, and make the most of the health benefits that nature has to offer.

July Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014 - 2025

July 2026

Buy Tickets Today! $140 Click Here

Raised $66,872 of $100,000

HONORING OUR VETERANS This July, as we celebrate our nation's independence, Hospice of the Valleys proudly honors the brave men and women who have served our country. We are privileged to care for Veterans with the compassion, dignity, and gratitude they deserve. As a participant in the Honoring Our Veterans program, our team is trained to recognize and address the unique needs of Veterans at the end of life. Through Veteran Recognition Ceremonies and personalized care, we thank each Veteran for their service and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Freedom comes at a cost, and we remain deeply grateful to those who answered the call to serve. It is our honor to walk beside our Veterans and their families, providing comfort, respect, and support during life's final journey.

NOTES FROM FRIENDS Hospice of the Valleys serves hundreds of patients every year. We honor them by sharing their stories. They remind us every day of the meaning and purpose of our work and that human connection is at the heart of the hospice experience. The following are notes Hospice of the Valleys has received from the families of patients that we have been privileged to provide hospice care. "Hospice of the Valleys is a special group of people. I'm so glad that you've been part of our family's lives." "Thank you for the care and comfort you provided our mother. We think of you often, especially our nurse Julie and home health aide Laura. We don't know what we would've done without your help."

Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

HOV WC 2026

JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE You can make a big impact with Hospice of the Valleys by supporting our Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain exceptional hospice nurses - Provide ongoing training and professional development - Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay YOUR MONTHLY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE $10 'We Honor Veterans' Pinning for One Patient $25 Comfort Supplies for Ten Patients $50 Medication Copays for Ten Patients $100 Clinical Staff Transportation to Four Patient Visits DONATE

Volunteer Corner Thank you to our incredible Hospice of the Valleys Volunteers for their dedication and kindness!

Soft Landings Mike Patton Bereavement Counselor/Spiritual Care One of my brother-in-law's many interests and skills is piloting. He has recently sold his plane and is quietly closing this hobby in his storied life. As an interested observer of my work in hospice, he has often said, "Mike helps people have a soft landing." The observation holds significant meaning, especially coming from a pilot! Just as there are many things that have to come together in the right sequence and with the right actions to land a plane smoothly, so there are contributing factors to a person having a peaceful death... a soft landing. Physically, a person should have symptoms of pain, agitation and shortness of breath well managed. Emotionally, a person should have peace knowing their affairs are in order.Spiritually, a person should have peace with the people and powers in their life. Spirituality is that which gives life meaning and purpose. It is not always easy to detect end of life spiritual needs. Listening to patients and their loved ones is the best tool for this kind of discernment. Assessing the level of spiritual distress, and adjusting care plans to relieve the distress are essential to successful spiritual care.Since every person is unique, with their own relational history and concerns, there is no "one size fits all" spiritual care. Tailoring the care to the patient requires the input of family members, friends and caregivers. Love is a verb.It means to act in the best interest of the subject of your love. Helping a loved one find peace and comfort is in their best interest, especially as they come to the end of their life. Peace is a state of ease, a reality of healthy relationship, unburdened. For our hospice patients, our team pays attention to their burdens. We are committed to acting in their best interest, unburdening them. A soft landing implies a successful mission. The pilot has landed the aircraft safely. For hospice patients, a soft landing implies a peaceful "unburdened" death. Pain managed, affairs in order, and relationships at peace. It is the goal of Hospice of the Valleys to contribute to the soft landing of each patient. The successful accomplishment of a soft landing takes an entire team of committed clinicians, family members, friends and caregivers. I appreciate my brother-in-law's interest in and observation of this labor of love. In our work with families after the death, we continue to find that the softer the landing, the fewer the complicating factors in their grief. Thank you for your interest in the important work of end of life care.

Catch Some Fun - and Get Your Vitamin D Fix Leslee B. Cochrane, MD Executive Medical Director Vitamin D has long been recognized as an essential nutrient for overall health. While most people associate Vitamin D with strong bones, research continues to demonstrate its important role in supporting muscle function, cardiovascular health, immune function, and overall well-being. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, muscle weakness, certain autoimmune disorders, and some cancers. Vitamin D is unique because it functions as both a vitamin and a hormone. Unlike most nutrients, your body can produce Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Once activated by the liver and kidneys, Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the bloodstream, supporting healthy bones, muscles, nerves, and immune system function. The longer days of summer provide a great opportunity to optimize your health while enjoying the outdoors. Although excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, completely avoiding sunlight may also have unintended health consequences. The key is moderation. Sensible sun exposure can help maintain healthy Vitamin D levels while providing additional benefits such as improved mood, better sleep quality, and increased physical activity. Many experts recommend brief periods of direct sun exposure several times per week, depending on factors such as skin tone, age, geographic location, season, and time of day. However, the amount of sunlight needed to produce adequate Vitamin D varies significantly from person to person. Individuals at increased risk for Vitamin D deficiency include older adults, people with obesity, individuals with darker skin pigmentation, those who spend most of their time indoors, and people with certain digestive disorders that impair nutrient absorption. Dietary sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, egg yolks, fortified dairy products, and fortified plant-based milk alternatives. However, many people do not obtain sufficient Vitamin D through diet alone. As a result, supplementation may be beneficial for some individuals. Current recommendations vary based on age, health status, and individual risk factors, so it is important to discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider. If you are concerned about a possible Vitamin D deficiency, your healthcare provider can order a simple blood test to measure your Vitamin D level and determine whether supplementation may be appropriate. In addition to supporting Vitamin D production, spending time outdoors has been associated with improved mood, reduced stress, better sleep patterns, and increased opportunities for physical activity. To safely enjoy the benefits of sunshine, consider the following guidelines: - Protect your face, ears, and other sensitive areas with sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. - Spend short periods of time outdoors regularly while avoiding sunburn. - Seek shade during peak sunlight hours when UV radiation is strongest. - Use sunscreen when prolonged outdoor exposure is anticipated. Stay well hydrated and take extra precautions during periods of extreme heat. California's beautiful climate provides year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it's taking a walk, gardening, hiking, or simply relaxing outside, spending time in the sunshine can be an enjoyable way to support both your physical and emotional well-being. So get outside, catch some sunshine, and make the most of the health benefits that nature has to offer.

June Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014 - 2025

June 2026

Nurses Fund Donations Raised $60,000 of $100,000

NOTES FROM FRIENDS Hospice of the Valleys serves hundreds of patients every year. We honor them by sharing their stories. They remind us every day of the meaning and purpose of our work and that human connection is at the heart of the hospice experience. The following are notes Hospice of the Valleys has received from the families of patients that we have been privileged to provide hospice care. "Hospice of the Valleys is a special group of people. I'm so glad that you've been part of our family's lives." "Thank you for the care and comfort you provided our mother. We think of you often, especially our nurse Julie and home health aide Laura. We don't know what we would've done without your help."

Win this custom cooler! Winning ticket will be drawn June 19th, just in time for Father's Day. Raffle Tickets $10.00 Tickets sold: Above and Beyond Beauty 30520 Rancho Cal Rd, Ste 108, Temecula Cooler donated by SOCAL Custom Rustics. Proceeds benefits Hospice of the Valleys.

Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

FLAG DAY - JUNE 14 ID YOU KNOW THE AMERICAN FLAG HAS CHANGED 27 TIMES SINCE IT WAS FIRST ADOPTED IN 1777? EACH NEW STAR TELLS THE STORY OF OUR GROWING NATION. FLAG DAY, CELEBRATED ON JUNE 14, HONORS THE FLAG AND THE HISTORY, PRIDE, AND UNITY IT REPRESENTS. AT HOSPICE OF THE VALLEYS, WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE VETERANS, MILITARY FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO HAVE DEDICATED THEMSELVES TO SERVING OTHERS. WE WISH YOU A WONDERFUL JUNE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE You can make a big impact with Hospice of the Valleys by supporting our Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain exceptional hospice nurses - Provide ongoing training and professional development - Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay YOUR MONTHLY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE $10 'We Honor Veterans' Pinning for One Patient $25 Comfort Supplies for Ten Patients $50 Medication Copays for Ten Patients $100 Clinical Staff Transportation to Four Patient Visits DONATE

HOV WC 2026

Volunteer Corner Hospice of the Valleys has the Best Volunteers! We never stop being amazed by the warmth and graciousness of our volunteers. Many times, I know that the volunteer has shuffled their schedule to accommodate whatever work needs to be done. We appreciate all your efforts and so do the patients, families & staff.

Mama Teresa Mike Patton Bereavement Counselor/Spiritual Care The whole world has long been inspired by the life and work of Mother Theresa of Calcutta, but are you aware of the divine inspiration of Momma Teresa of Hospice of the Valleys? This tireless powerhouse of positivity, whose work spanned the gambit of dealing with Medicare reps to the pumping vibe of office rapper, just retired after 31 years of service! For ten of the 31 years we were office cubicle neighbors, and I am the beneficiary of her powerful positivity and rich sense of humor. Two of the many qualities of Teresa of HOV are confidence and humility. When Teresa was applying for the job 31 years ago, her cover letter accompanying her resume included this statement: "I always try to give more than 100% in all that I do. I am efficient and take pride in my work. Cooperation with my fellow employees is important because it makes the whole system have success. I have the willingness and the ability to lean new skills while improving the old skills." Confidence in her ability to do the job was more than proven in her career at Hospice of the Valleys, and that confidence is contagious to the "whole system." While she never tried to do the job of chaplain or bereavement counselor, her confidence certainly nurtured my own confidence to do my job with excellence. Teresa, as far as I know, was not a trained professional rapper. At my first all-staff meeting in 2015, this jersey clad, ball cap twisted to the side, dark shades wearing powerhouse stood tall, all five feet of her, and belted a rhyming lyric to a rhythmic beat that rocked the office! I was in the presence of fame and inspiration! She left the room before I could get an autograph. What sealed the deal for me in my assessment of Momma Teresa is her genuine humility. You cannot manufacture humility, it is a character quality that shows up under pressure. I will never forget the dark days that accompanied Rich and Teresa when their daughter Stephanie died. Teresa could not believe what she saw as she stood at the podium of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Moreno Valley speaking about her beloved daughter. She recalled thinking that Hospice of the Valleys must have closed down for the day, as so many of her colleagues were at the service. Of course we were, but even in that moment of immense grief pain, she considered others more important than herself. Humble confidence is a character trait that inspires me. Humility allows me to see the wonder and beauty in the people around me while confidence allows me to contribute to the whole system by giving more than 100% in all I do. Thanks for your inspiration Momma Teresa!

Happy Father's Day

Who Cares for the Caregiver? Your Health Matters Leslee B. Cochrane, MD Executive Medical Director Caregiver burnout remains a widespread and growing public health challenge. Today, more than 53 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for aging, chronically ill, or disabled loved ones. Studies continue to show that 40-70% of caregivers experience significant stress, with many reporting symptoms of burnout, anxiety, or depression. Nurses understand these challenges better than most. Through their daily work, they witness firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial strain placed on family caregivers. Consistently ranked among the most trusted professionals, nurses play a critical role not only in patient care but also in supporting and educating caregivers. For over 40 years, the nurses of Hospice of the Valleys have provided compassionate, end-of-life care to patients and families in our community. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals, and these "Angels Among Us". Recognizing the Warning Signs Understanding caregiver burnout begins with recognizing its early warning signs. These may include: 1. Changes in appetite-eating too much or too little 2. Poor sleep or persistent exhaustion 3. Mood changes, including anxiety, irritability, or depression 4. Self-neglect-ignoring personal medical, emotional, or spiritual needs 5. Physical symptoms such as headaches, high blood pressure, or chest pain (seek medical attention immediately if these occur) A Growing Challenge in 2026 Caregiver burnout has intensified in recent years due to longer life expectancies, increased rates of chronic illness, and ongoing healthcare workforce shortages. In addition, the financial burden of caregiving remains significant, as long-term personal care is still not fully covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. While there is no simple solution, there is growing awareness-and more support than ever before. Caregivers are encouraged to seek help early and take advantage of available community and digital resources. Local Resources for Caregivers If you or someone you know is experiencing caregiver stress, support is available: - Riverside County Office on Aging - (800) 510-2020 - Offers caregiver education, support groups, respite care information, and resource referrals. - Riverside County Veterans Services - (951) 766-2566 - Veterans and their families may qualify for expanded caregiver support programs, including financial assistance and respite services through initiatives such as We Honor Veterans. - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Hotline- (888) 960-4477 • Individuals with Medi-Cal may qualify for in-home caregiving assistance or support with long-term care placement. - Hospice of the Valleys - (951) 200-7800. Visit our website at https://hospiceofthevalleys.org/ to explore our updated caregiver resource library under the "Patients and Families" section. You Are Not Alone Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles a person will ever take on-but it should never be done alone. At Hospice of the Valleys, we remain committed to supporting families through every stage of care, helping to ease the burdens and honor the dignity of those we serve. If you are a caregiver, remember: taking care of yourself is not a luxury-it is a necessity.

May Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014 - 2025

May 2026

Nurses Fund Donations Raised $60,000 of $100,000

Pechanga Charity Golf Classic est. 1999 We were honored to be chosen as one of the charity recipients of the Pechanga Charity Golf Classic. Pechanga has always been a tremendous supporter of Hospice of the Valleys. They generously donated $50,000 to support our Nurses's Fund!

Nurses Week Last week we celebrated Nurses Week! Our nurses are the heart and soul of our organization! We are honored to be raising funds for our nurses all year long!

Community Events State of the City Nonprofit Expo May 28th, 2026 7:00 - 10:00 Pechanga Resort & Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway CA 92592

Citrus and Moss Invites you to the 6th Annual Give Back Event HUGE Thank you to Citrus and Moss for hosting the 6th Annual Give Back Event! We are so grateful for your ongoing support!

NOTES FROM FRIENDS Hospice of the Valleys serves hundreds of patients every year. We honor them by sharing their stories. They remind us every day of the meaning and purpose of our work and that human connection is at the heart of the hospice experience. The following are notes Hospice of the Valleys has received from the families of patients that we have been privileged to provide hospice care. "The compassion and tenderness you show every patient is truly remarkable, and the kindness and support you give grieving family members will ever be forgotten." "Bless you and for all that you do each and every day. You are truly angels on this earth." "From the first meeting with Kalina through the final visit with Justin, my experience with Hospice of the Valleys was nothing but professional and compassionate. Thank you."

Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE You can make a big impact with Hospice of the Valleys by supporting our Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain exceptional hospice nurses - Provide ongoing training and professional development - Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay YOUR MONTHLY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE $10 'We Honor Veterans' Pinning for One Patient $25 Comfort Supplies for Ten Patients $50 Medication Copays for Ten Patients $100 Clinical Staff Transportation to Four Patient Visits DONATE

HOV WC 2026

Breakfast with Butterflies Thank you to everyone who attended the Breakfast with Butterflies event! We were thrilled to have a great turnout of amazing people wanting to spend the morning honoring their loved ones.

Volunteer Corner "One Person Can Make A Difference ..." - John F. Kennedy In honor of National Volunteer week, Hospice of the Valleys hosted our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Oscar's Brewing Company to celebrate our amazing volunteers. The Hospice of the Valleys Special Recognition Awards were presented to Delores Schultz, Larry Sieks and Megan Weinberg. The Hospice of the Valleys Care Partners Awards were presented to St. Martha's Quilters and The Colony Yarnsters. Congratulations to our awardees in recognition of their exemplary volunteer service! Our volunteers are the best of the best. They do so much for so many and our community is a better, more compassionate place because of their service. They are an essential part of our team and help form the heart of hospice. We could not do the work we do without each and every one of volunteers, we are truly grateful.

Imago Dei Mike Patton Bereavement Counselor/Spiritual Care In her beautifully written eulogy, Sarah said this about her father, "Bill lived what he believed - that every person bears the image of God and deserves to be loved well." This brilliant idea of "Imago Dei" which is Latin for "image of God," and based on the creation account found in the opening book of the Judeo-Christian Bible, Genesis 1:26-27, is inspiring. I shared this belief and loved serving side-by-side with Sarah's father at Hospice of the Valleys from 2015-2024. His legacy as a friend and colleague is best served by living into this shared, deep theological conviction. So how do I do that? Like onions, human beings are layered - covered in layers of cultural mores, genetic traits, environmental experiences, religious beliefs, and personal fascinations to name a few. So getting to the image of God is more of a belief than an experience. For me, I have to pause - to stop and think - before I react to people. In that very pregnant pause is when I can adjust my perspective to include the thought that I am in the presence of a person made in the image of God. Recently, I was in Oceanside and took an early morning walk around the harbor. I saw her coming, a woman who appeared to be living without adequate shelter, and I greeted her with, "good morning" as we passed by one another going in opposite directions. I was not completely surprised, but certainly shocked by her vile and violent, nasty worded, finger pointed in my face, with a mixture of anger and evil, response. I just kept walking. It was in the moments after, thinking about what must have been a mental illness or terrible circumstances that led to her outburst, that I was humbled. I wished I had the presence of mind to offer her my undivided attention, based on my deep inner conviction that underneath all that rage was a person made in the image of God. Pauses are an opportunity to adjust our focus, to acknowledge a belief that at the core that deepest human reality is the image of God, housed under layers of life experiences, good and bad, worthy of being loved well. Most of the people we encounter are less antagonistic to a casual greeting, but all bear the image of God, and that can make a remarkable difference in how we treat them.

Memorial Day This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It is a day of reflection, gratitude, and quiet remembrance- an opportunity to recognize the profound sacrifice made for the freedoms we enjoy today. At Hospice of the Valleys, this spirit of honoring life is at the heart of all we do. We are privileged to care for patients and families, including many who carry stories of service and sacrifice.

Care that you can Trust Your Health Matters Leslee B. Cochrane, MD Executive Medical Director Why Integrity Matters-Now More Than Ever "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis Modern medicine continues to achieve remarkable breakthroughs -from pacemakers to advanced imaging-but the most essential element of healthcare has not changed: integrity. Patients and families must be able to trust that their care team will act in their best interest, communicate honestly, and guide them through difficult decisions with compassion and clarity. That trust is especially important today, as recent reports have brought increased attention to hospice fraud in California. Investigations have revealed troubling practices among some for- profit hospice providers, including enrolling patients who are not eligible for hospice, prioritizing profit over care, and failing to provide appropriate services. These cases have understandably caused concern for patients and families who are seeking compassionate, end-of-life care. What Patients Should Know While these reports are serious, they do not reflect the hospice community as a whole. Many hospice organizations remain deeply committed to ethical care, transparency, and patient dignity. Still, these developments highlight why patients and families should feel empowered to: - Ask questions about eligibility, services, and care plans Request clear explanations in plain language - Take the time needed to make informed decisions - Seek providers with proven records of quality and accountability No one should ever feel rushed, confused, or pressured when making healthcare decisions-especially during vulnerable moments. A Higher Standard of Care At Hospice of the Valleys, integrity is not just a principle-it is a daily practice. As the only local non-profit hospice headquartered in the region, the organization is guided by a mission to serve patients and families-not shareholders. This distinction matters. Non-profit hospices are structured to reinvest resources into patient care, staffing, and community support, rather than distributing profits. In an environment where some providers have come under scrutiny, this model offers an added layer of reassurance. Hospice of the Valleys continues to stand apart through: - A long-standing commitment to ethical, patient-centered care • Transparent communication with patients and families - Comprehensive support services tailored to individual needs - Recognition for excellence from caregivers and families alike Recognized Quality You Can Trust Independent measures of quality are more important than ever. According to Medicare Hospice Compare, Hospice of the Valleys holds a 5-star rating, the highest possible designation. Furthermore, Hospice of the Valleys remains the only 5-Star provider headquartered in our service area. This rating reflects direct feedback from families and caregivers, evaluating everything from communication and symptom management to overall satisfaction. In addition, the organization continues to be honored among the nation's top hospices through the Hospice Honors program and has been named the #1 Top Workplace by the Inland Empire Press Enterprise this year, further reinforcing its reputation for exceptional care. Reassurance in Uncertain Times Hearing about fraud in any part of the healthcare system can be unsettling. But it is important to remember: ethical, compassionate hospice care remains the standard-not the exception. For patients and families in our community, Hospice of the Valleys continues to be a trusted choice-grounded in integrity, guided by compassion, and validated by the very people it serves When it matters most, you deserve care you can trust.

April Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014 - 2025

We Honor Veterans

April 2026

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Make a Donation

Volunteer Opportunities

Happy Administrative Professionals Week Help us Celebrate our Admin Team the Week of April 19-25th

Community Events Menifee Health Fair May 2nd, 2026 10:00 - 1:00 26850 Sun City Blvd. Menifee, CA 92586 State of the City Nonprofit Expo May 28th, 2026 7:00 - 10:00 Pechanga Resort & Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway CA 92592

NOTES FROM FRIENDS Hospice of the Valleys serves hundreds of patients every year. We honor them by sharing their stories. They remind us every day of the meaning and purpose of our work and that human connection is at the heart of the hospice experience. The following are notes Hospice of the Valleys has received from the families of patients that we have been privileged to provide hospice care. "Your compassion meant so much to my dad. Thank you also for the support you gave our family throughout this journey. We will always be grateful." "Thank you for being my "village" as I prepared to say goodbye to my beloved husband."

Volunteer Spotlight Delores Schultz Celebrating 25th Anniversary! Delores has dedicated herself to Hospice of the Valleys for over 2 1/2 decades. She exemplifies the true spirit of altruism, life of service and compassion. She has provided over 3,500 hours of volunteer service to Hospice of the Valleys.

JR. Advisory Club Our Jr. Advisory Club got together recently to make Easter cards for our patients and their families! We love their dedication to our mission!

Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE You can make a big impact with Hospice of the Valleys by supporting our Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain exceptional hospice nurses - Provide ongoing training and professional development - Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay YOUR MONTHLY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE $10 'We Honor Veterans' Pinning for One Patient $25 Comfort Supplies for Ten Patients $50 Medication Copays for Ten Patients $100 Clinical Staff Transportation to Four Patient Visits DONATE

Citrus and Moss invites you to the 6th annual Give Back Event Thursday 4/30/26 10am-5pm Kick-Off Celebration Friday 5/01/26 10am-5pm Celebration Continues 25% of every purchase benefits HOV! Hospice of the Valleys Citrus and Moss 951-506-1606 28459 Old Town Front St. Temecula Ca. www.citrusandmoss.com

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Volunteer Corner Celebrating Hospice Volunteers Hospice of the Valleys Honors its Volunteers during National Volunteer Week April 19-25. "Your Year to Volunteer" is the focus of this year's National Volunteer Week. Highlights that 2026 is a time for everyone to find their purpose and make a difference through volunteering, fostering connection and strengthening communities. Also Highlighting 2026 "America Gives" As part of the US 250th anniversary, the focus is on achieving the largest year of volunteer hours ever recorded. Join us in recognizing and thanking our volunteers for their incredible dedication to Hospice of the Valleys. We could not do our work without all of our amazing volunteers!

Giving is a Great Investment in Your Health Your Health Matters Leslee B. Cochrane, MD Executive Medical Director "A pessimist sees a glass as half empty; an optimist sees it as half full. A giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty." - G. Thomas Gale Your heart is AMAZING! Each day it beats about 100,000 times, pumping roughly 2,000 gallons of blood through nearly 60,000 miles of blood vessels. By age 50, your heart will have beaten more than 1.8 billion times - making you, in a sense, a billionaire! If heartbeats were dollars, you would invest them wisely for the greatest return. Here's a powerful investment tip for 2026: give some of those heartbeats to others. Research continues to confirm what we've long believed giving improves the giver's health. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024 release), about 23% of Americans formally volunteer each year, contributing billions of hours of service. Yet the greatest returns may not be measured in hours, but in health outcomes. More recent longitudinal studies published in the 2010s and 2020s reinforce earlier findings that volunteering is linked to lower mortality, improved mental health, and greater life satisfaction - particularly among adults over 50. A 2020 review in the journal BMC Public Health found that individuals who volunteered at least 100 hours per year experienced a measurable reduction in depression and a significant improvement in overall well-being. Other large cohort studies have shown that consistent volunteers have lower rates of hypertension and a reduced risk of early death compared to non-volunteers, even after adjusting for baseline health and socioeconomic factors. In 2026, as loneliness and social isolation remain major public health concerns especially among older adults volunteering offers protective benefits. The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted social connection as a key determinant of health, linking strong community engagement to reduced cardiovascular risk and longer life expectancy. The return on your "heartbeat investment" doesn't require a full-time commitment. Just two hours a week - about 100 hours a year - aligns with the threshold many studies associate with meaningful health benefits. Volunteering strengthens social ties, reduces stress, provides purpose, and activates the same reward centers in the brain associated with joy and fulfillment. It is still true that it is more blessed to give than to receive - and now we have decades of data to support it. So invest your AMAZING heartbeats wisely. Find someone who is thirsty - for help, for hope, for connection - and serve. Your community will benefit, and so will your heart.

Riverside County Veterans Business Resources NOW Program provides valuable business resources to our Veteran community. Learn more about procurement opportunities, financing options, hiring and training incentives, and starting or expanding a business at quarterly workshops, and keep up to date on current events and resources. 951-955-8916 bizinfo@rivco.org RIVERSIDE COUNTY VETERANS BUSINESS RESOURCES NOW PROGRAM PROCURE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS FINANCIAL RESOURCES BUSINESS STARTUP & EXPANSION PERMIT ASSISTANCE HIRING & TRAINING VETERANS-FOCUSED WORKSHOPS RIVCOED.ORG/VETERANS

The Sweet Spot Mike Patton Bereavement Counselor/Spiritual Care When I used to play golf, I knew when I found the sweet spot on my irons. It matched the face of the club with the golf ball in a kind of perfect harmony, making the shot feel so good. Admittedly, this was a rare feeling in my game (hence "used to play") but I would like to suggest a "sweet spot" in our care for patients and their families. Ours is a caring work, emphasizing the management of the big three symptoms for our patients: pain, agitation, and shortness of breath. Our doctors and nurses are fantastic at ordering the right meds and suggesting the appropriate routine for managing the symptoms associated with each. From the psychosocial side of the team, we can assist with more of the existential issues of dying and anticipatory grief. Dr. Frank Anderson, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, spoke to us in our Grief Educators Certificate program on the issue of trauma and grief. He mentioned that when dealing with trauma, there is a sweet spot to be aware of when providing support. They have found that the more we talk about "the trauma" the more we encode the traumatic messages. When supporting our patients and families we have two extremes to avoid in our care. David Kessler has said, "You can't heal what you can't feel" and "our pain needs to be witnessed." So, on the one hand, the emotional pain associated with the dying process needs to be witnessed, and we are often the most likely people to hear these concerns. It is good for us to be present for our patients and families to receive what they are sharing. On the other hand, it can be detrimental to their well-being if we belabor their telling and retelling their stories, especially if there is trauma in their storytelling. I have found the bedside of the deceased, with family present, is one of those profound moments for holding this tension. Often there are strong emotions felt at the time of death. Entering that space with the family is such an honor. I try to remember to be quiet and respectful, as well as humanly present for every family member. I witness the intersection of love and grief in those moments. And as I reflect on the people present in that space, I am grateful for the sweet spot of their deep love intersecting with the pain of loss that death immediately demands. Hospice of the Valleys, in my experience, has a knack for finding the sweet spot in our care every time. We enter into these emotionally rich and sometimes super-charged situations, and because of the character of our team, are able to connect just right... a soft touch that brings comfort and peace... similar to that one time that I hit a golf ball from the fairway onto the green, and it rolled right into the hole!

March Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014 - 2025

We Honor Veterans

March 2026

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Make a Donation

Volunteer Opportunities

Happy National Doctors' Day

Hospice of the Valleys Celebrates Social Work month The 2026 Social Work Month theme honors the prime mission of the Social Work profession - to enhance human well-being, meet the basic human needs of all people, and put special attention on the needs and empowerment of people are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty. At Hospice of the Valleys our social workers are an integral part of the interdisciplinary team. It is our sincere hope that our social workers know that their dedication, compassion and hard work do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do! SOCIAL WORKERS UPLIFT. DEFEND. TRANSFORM.

Community Events Menifee Health Fair May 2nd, 2026 10:00-1:00 26850 Sun City Blvd. Menifee, CA 92586

NOTES FROM FRIENDS Hospice of the Valleys serves hundreds of patients every year. We honor them by sharing their stories. They remind us every day of the meaning and purpose of our work and that human connection is at the heart of the hospice experience. The following are notes Hospice of the Valleys has received from the families of patients that we have been privileged to provide hospice care. "I can't even begin to adequately express our deep appreciation for the compassionate, invaluable care that we received from Hospice of the Valleys. May God continue to bless you as you serve with kindness and wisdom." "To all of you who cared for my husband and who gave me the reassurance that he was in good hands, thank you from the bottom of my heart. During an extremely sad and difficult time you were there. Please accept this donation to help carry on your good work."

Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE You can make a big impact with Hospice of the Valleys by supporting our Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain exceptional hospice nurses - Provide ongoing training and professional development - Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay YOUR MONTHLY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE $10 'We Honor Veterans' Pinning for One Patient $25 Comfort Supplies for Ten Patients $50 Medication Copays for Ten Patients $100 Clinical Staff Transportation to Four Patient Visits DONATE

Coming to Grips with Grief Your Health Matters Leslee B. Cochrane, MD Executive Medical Director Understanding the Grief Response - Grief is a natural and deeply human response to loss. When someone we love dies, the pain can feel overwhelming, touching every part of our lives. Yet even in its heaviness, grief reflects the depth of our love and connection. While the experience can be intense, it's important to remember that grief is not something we are meant to "get over," but something we learn to live with. Grief can affect us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You may notice waves of sadness, longing, or confusion, along with unexpected moments of calm or even joy. These shifts are normal. Healing does not move in a straight line, and each person's experience is unique. There is no single path and no correct way to grieve. There Is No Timeline for Grief - Grief does not follow a schedule. For many people, the sharpness of loss gradually softens, creating room for comfort, meaningful memories, and renewed connection to life. Sadness may still appear, but it often begins to exist alongside gratitude, love, and moments of peace. Over time, many find that remembering their loved one brings warmth as well as tears. This blending of emotions is a healthy sign of healing and growth. There will be good days and hard days, and both are part of the journey. With patience and self-compassion, it becomes possible to move forward while still honoring the bond that remains. Support Can Make a Difference - No one has to grieve alone. Support from family, friends, or others who understand loss can offer reassurance and comfort. Sharing your story can help lighten the weight and remind you that your feelings are valid. When grief feels overwhelming or begins to interfere with daily life it is time to speak with your healthcare provider about getting help and support. Although not intended to substitute for those who may require professional one-on-one counselling, Hospice of the Valleys is here to help patients and families deal with grief. We offer bereavement support to the families of the patients we serve for 13 months following a loss. We also offer community-based grief support groups open to everyone at no cost. To learn more, please visit https://hospiceofthevalleys.org or call 951-200-7800 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and ask to speak with a member of our Bereavement Team. Your grief journey may be difficult; but it need not also be lonely- please ask for help.

Days to Remember Medal of Honor Day - March 25 We honor the courageous service members who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor in combat. Observed each year on March 25, Medal of Honor Day recognizes the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and selfless service of recipients past and present. Vietnam War Veterans Day - March 29 We honor the service and sacrifice of the millions of U.S. service members who served during the Vietnam War. Observed each year on March 29, Vietnam War Veterans Day recognizes the courage, commitment and enduring legacy of those who answered the call during one of our nation's most challenging conflicts.

Volunteer Corner Hospice of the Valleys has the best volunteers! We never stop being amazed by the warmth and graciousness of our hospice volunteers. We appreciate all your efforts and so do the patients, families and staff. Thank you!

Grief Power Tool Mike Patton Bereavement Counselor/Spiritual Care For the past couple of years I have had the privilege of sharing "grief tools" at our monthly clinical staff meetings. I have shared many of the tools that are included in our bereavement folders that we give every person who attends one of our three bereavement groups. Things like normal manifestations of grief, William Worden's 'mourner's bill of rights', David Kessler's 'Six Needs of Grieving People', etc. Sometimes there is a special tool that one gets to add to their toolbox; an electric power tool, perhaps. I recently was meeting with a young widow who is raising her five-year-old daughter without her father. She said, “I am scheduling my grief" and described times when she was alone that she would play the music that she and her husband enjoyed, or flip through photos, and just sob. Then, she said, "and then I'm able to hold it together when I'm with my daughter or at work." As I sat with that widow and her revelation, I realized that she had just described a power tool in her grief toolbox! Self-awareness is such a powerful tool in the life of the bereaved. Identifying the deep feelings of grief, naming them and, by so doing, getting a handle on managing them, people are finding control that often feels very elusive. Vulnerability met with a strategy to give time and space for expressing deep sadness as well as the self-control of holding it together when the situation demands it. Of course, like any power tool that runs out of juice, there will be times that a wave of grief will overwhelm with an unexpected eruption of emotion, and the intended self- control sabotaged. Grief work is something that everyone gets to do since everyone experiences losses of one kind or another all the time. I learn from the experts in the field, those who have crossed the threshold of a bereavement group and courageously shared their stories. While it is true that everyone grieves their loss in their own unique way, since their relationship with their loved one was uniquely their own, it is also true that the shared wisdom of another's grief story can shed light on how to grieve. I appreciate the young widow who is working so hard to manage her deep emotions surrounding the loss of her husband and her child's father. Her self-awareness is a power tool in her grief toolbox. I trust that your self- awareness gives you the ability to schedule your own emotional needs, grief or otherwise. I encourage you to get curious about your own inner thoughts and feelings, and give yourself the dignity and powerful tool of self-awareness.

February Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014 - 2025

We Honor Veterans

February 2026

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Make a Donation

Volunteer Opportunities

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Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

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January Newsletter 2026

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014- 2024

We Honor Veterans

January 2026

Request Information

Make a Donation

Volunteer Opportunities

happy-new-year

notes-from-friends

Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

benefits-of-setting-new-years-resolutions

Nurses Fund By supporting our new Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain exceptional hospice nurses - Provide ongoing training and professional development Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay - Whether you choose to give a one-time gift or a recurring monthly contribution, your support is an investment in compassionate end-of-life care for our community. And, as always, gifts made by December 31 may be tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us continue this sacred work.

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December Newsletter 2025

Hospice Honors

Press Enterprise Top Work Places 2014- 2024

We Honor Veterans

December 2025

Request Information

Make a Donation

Volunteer Opportunities

Wishing you Happy Holidays and a bright new year from the team at Hospice of the Valleys

We've moved! 41391 Kalmia St. Suite 300 Murrieta, CA 92562

NOTES FROM FRIENDS Hospice of the Valleys serves hundreds of patients every year. We honor them by sharing their stories. They remind us every day of the meaning and purpose of our work and that human connection is at the heart of the hospice experience. The following are notes Hospice of the Valleys has received from the families of patients that we have been privileged to provide hospice care. "I have been most impressed with Hospice of the Valleys and the care it has continued to extend to me even a year after my wife's passing." "Thank you so much for making our mom's final months so comfortable. From the bottom of our hearts we send our deepest and sincere gratitude and appreciation." "I've recommended you to several people so that they can experience the level of care that you provided to my mom."

Celebrate the Heart of Volunteering Become a Hospice Volunteer Hospice is about family and community... And volunteers bring heart to hospice. Our team always had the need for volunteers in patient support, music, veteran to veteran support, fundraising, administrative support and more. Hold a Hand-Give a Hug-Touch a Heart. Becoming a hospice volunteers is a meaningful and rewarding experience. You can make a difference! *Seeking bi-lingual volunteers for patient support and music* Hospice of the Valleys: Canyon Lake, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Nuevo, Perris, Quail Valley, Romoland, San Jacinto, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester Please contact Chrisy Lawless, Volunteer Manager 951-200-7800 or CLawless@hovsc.org for more information. You may also refer to our website page HospiceoftheValleys.org for new training updates.

Seeking Fundraising Volunteers - You can make a difference - Outgoing and Self-Motivated - Detail-Oriented and Good organization skills - Ability to Interact Positively with Guests and a Team. If this sounds like you, we'd love to talk with you about how you can help! Please contact: Chrisy Lawless 951-200-7800 | CLawless@Hovsc.org

Please remember Hospice of the Valleys in your trust or will. And, help us now with your kind donation. DONATE to Hospice of the Valleys Hospice of the Valleys is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Hospice of the Valleys complies with applicable Federal and civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Atención: si habla espanol, Tiene a su disposicion servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingufstica. Llame al 1-951-200-7800 (TDD: 711). 注意:如果您使用繁體中文, 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-951-200-7800 (TDD: 711).

Thank You for your Support on Giving Tuesday! #Giving Tuesday To donate before the end of the year, click below: Donate

Nurses Fund By supporting our new Nurses' Fund - a vital resource dedicated to strengthening the compassionate care our nurses provide every single day. Our nurses are truly the heart of our mission. They bring calm in the hardest moments, comfort at 2:00 AM, and guidance for families facing their most sacred goodbyes. When you support them, you support every patient and family who turns to us in their time of need. Your gift to the Nurses' Fund helps us: - Support and retain exceptional hospice nurses - Provide ongoing training and professional development Maintain low nurse caseloads that allow for more individualized, specialized care - Expand access to care for patients regardless of ability to pay - Whether you choose to give a one-time gift or a recurring monthly contribution, your support is an investment in compassionate end-of-life care for our community. And, as always, gifts made by December 31 may be tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us continue this sacred work.

You are invited to the 2025 Christmas Party and Toy Drive hosted by Senator Kelly Seyarto (32nd district) and MilVet Thursday, December 11 5:30 - 7:30 PM Milvet 33040 Antelope Rd, Suite 114, Murrieta Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit MilVet's holidays for Heroes program, providing Christmas gifts for children of military families! Toy donation not required for entry.

Volunteer Corner As the holidays approach and we prepare to ring in 2026, our heartfelt thanks goes out to our amazing volunteers! Thank you for making this time of the year brighter for us. We wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Tis the Season to be Jolly? Your Health Matters Leslee B. Cochrane, MD Executive Medical Director The holiday season is here, and despite the spirit of good cheer it brings, the darker days of winter can trigger a variety of adverse health-related issues for some people. Perhaps the most widely recognized disorder associated with the winter months is a type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is triggered by a decrease in sun exposure, which typically occurs in late fall and winter. It is estimated that 4-6% of the general population may suffer from clinically significant SAD symptoms, and an additional 10-20% may experience mild symptoms. SAD is four times more common in women than in men and usually affects people older than 20. The condition appears to be directly related to the reduced sunlight of the winter months, and it is therefore not surprising that it is seven times more common in Washington State than in Florida. Common symptoms include feeling sad, loss of interest in activities, low energy and fatigue, excessive sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite with cravings for carbohydrates and subsequent weight gain. Effective therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, light therapy with prescription light devices, and, in some cases, the judicious use of antidepressant medications. Another perplexing condition related to the holiday season is what I affectionately refer to as "the battle of the bulge" that tends to appear around the waist during this time of year. People are more likely to gain weight in the fall and winter and then lose it in the spring and summer. Although there are no unifying theories to fully explain these seasonal variations, scientists have discovered that a lack of sun exposure affects several important hormones and neurotransmitters, which may help explain these adverse health effects. If you are experiencing any seasonally related health challenges, please talk with your doctor for further guidance. In addition to the treatments for SAD mentioned above, the lifestyle modifications below have been shown to improve overall health and help combat seasonal health conditions: 1. Exercise regularly - It releases endorphins, promotes wellness, and reduces stress. 2. Sleep well - Quality sleep strengthens and supports your immune system. 3. Avoid excessive exposure to blue light from cell phones, TVs, and LED lighting - Blue light can impair melatonin production, which in turn disrupts healthy sleep patterns. 4. Unplug from stress and connect with friends - It can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. I hope this information helps you enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Civil Bells Mike Patton Bereavement Counselor/Spiritual Care I know what you are thinking that I have lost my mind in the flurry of the season that "silver bells" is what I meant to write. It is true that I love that song for the timeless introduction to the holiday season. So let me explain my reasoning for the twist of terms. As my television preferences have aged, like a fine wine, I have become a bit of a PBS nerd. I enjoy hearing the thoughts of women and men who are well studied and honest, being interviewed by persons of equal intelligence and journalistic integrity. I have come to savor PBS when my body settles into the recliner after the work of the day is done... at least until my TV viewing must be shared. I was watching an episode of Firing Line with Margaret Hoover recently that replayed a 2020 interview she did with Dr. Robert George and Dr. Cornel West, two professors who teach a class together at Princeton University. They are from opposite sides of the political spectrum. Dr. George is a conservative legal scholar and Dr. West is a progressive philosopher and considers himself a non-Marxist socialist. Both men are public intellectuals. Both men are brilliantly articulate and able to defend their thoughts with clear and precise reasoning, and sharply disagree with each other. Both men are Christians and refer to one another as a beloved brother. Their recent book, Truth Matters, builds on the premise that civility in public discourse is a missing ingredient in our present day democracy. Their teaching together models this missing ingredient. They share that the love they have for one another allows them to discuss with honesty their opposing views and "disagree agreeably." In other words, their love allows for serious intellectual debate resulting in deeper solutions to serious human problems. This is refreshingly tasty... like fine chocolate! In our hospice work, we are committed to a non-judgmental interaction with our patients and their families. Our roles, from bathing to medicating to praying, keep their best interest in mind. We respectfully keep our personal opinions to ourselves. This is different from the civility that Drs. West and George are promoting, but it bears similar fruit because it is founded on the principle of love. The team of hospice professionals that I get to work with have exercised this civility consistently and professionally. Civility tolls through our work like "silver bells" reminds us of the joys of the season.

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