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Waco Resident Named AmeriCorps RSVP Volunteer of the Year

On June 24, Community Healthcare of Texas-Providence Hospice volunteer and Waco resident Mary Lou Lehde received the AmeriCorps RSVP Volunteer of the Year award.

The AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) connects thousands of Americans aged 55 and older, like Lehde, with organizations making a difference in communities nationwide. AmeriCorps RSVP is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, The Texas Department of Health and Human Services, and locally sponsored by McLennan Community College for the Heart of Texas region.

Since 2011, Lehde has volunteered with Community Healthcare of Texas – Providence Hospice, the largest non-profit hospice provider in the state. According to Sonya Wilson, volunteer coordinator for the non-profit, Lehde has volunteered more than 10,000 hours over the course of 12 years, providing compassionate care to hospice patients and their families throughout the Waco area.

“During Mary Lou’s training in 2011, I was extremely impressed by her compassion, insight, and enthusiasm,” shared Wilson. “But it wasn’t until she started volunteering that I knew without a shadow of a doubt this individual was destined to do good works for our patients, our organization, and our community.”

In addition to direct patient support, Lehde spends countless hours writing cards and visiting bereaved families. And, as the wife of a retired veteran, Lehde understands the sacrifices veterans have made for our country and is an integral part of the organization’s “We Honor Veterans” program. Through this program, Lehde presents hospice patients who have served our country with personalized certificates and pins as an expression of gratitude for their sacrifice.

“Mary Lou is truly a blessing to everyone who has the privilege of spending time with her, although I guarantee that she will tell you that she is the one who is blessed by her time volunteering,” said Wilson.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Community Healthcare of Texas-Providence Hospice, contact Sonya Wilson at 254-399-9099 or sonyawilson@chot.org.

About Community Healthcare of Texas-Providence Hospice

Community Healthcare of Texas – Providence Hospice is the state’s largest not-for-profit provider of hospice and palliative care services. Since 1996, the organization has provided end-of-life care services for adult and pediatric patients across North and Central Texas. With five office locations and two inpatient hospice houses, Community Healthcare of Texas-Providence Hospice serves 25 Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco counties. 

For more information or to learn more about Community Healthcare of Texas-Providence Hospice, visit www.chot.org

 

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