MODESTO, CA (May 5, 2025) – Community Hospice & Health Services (CHHS) celebrated and recognized their volunteers at their annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Award Ceremony on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. All volunteers received a special certificate of recognition. Several volunteers were recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the mission of CHHS and four dedicated volunteers were awarded the 2024 Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Volunteer of the Year Award. Named after the co-founder of CHHS, the awards are given each year to four volunteers for their outstanding service and spirit of excellence.
The Mary Jean Coeur-Barron CHHS Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Anna-Marie Taylor. Anna-Marie has selflessly given her time, talent, and heart to the patients and families of CHHS since 2016.
The Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Friends of CHHS Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Yvonne Taylor. A member since 2009, Yvonne is an invaluable member of the Friends volunteer auxiliary, serving over 200 hours this past year. As Membership Chair, she has welcomed and mentored each new member with a genuine warmth and kindness that make the Friends feel like family.
The Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Hope Chest Thrift Store Volunteer of the Year was presented to Jack Smith. Coming from a military background, Jack embodies a strong work ethic that influences everyone around him.
The 2024 Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Camp Wokini Award was presented to Dezaree Seeds. Dezaree has demonstrated kindness, patience and support to both campers and volunteers. Her compassionate support of Camp Wokini has been a blessing.
New this year, we recognized 13 recipients with the Mary Ann Wood Volunteer Length of Service Award. These special recipients have been steadfast volunteers of CHHS, serving 20 years or more. Recipients included Jan Pereira, Pam Ghiotto, Carmen Skeen, Michele Stoumbaugh, Francoise DeMartini, Patty Duval, Heidi Ethier, Judy Jensen, Janice Lucero, Meryl Snider, Susan Walker, Laura Walker-Cornell and Susan Conner.
In 2024, more than 336 volunteers contributed 14,976 hours in support of the CHHS mission. “Volunteers have always been and are still the heart of our organization. We are grateful for the many community members who choose to give their time and talent to support our mission and the important work we do,” said Mathew Francis, President/CEO.
There is always a way to lend a helpful hand. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit hospiceheart.org or call 209.578.6300.
About Community Hospice & Health Services
Community Hospice & Health Services (CHHS) is a nonprofit, community-based agency, serving the greater Central Valley since 1979. CHHS embraces more than 2,500 patients and families each year providing support through vital programs including hospice and palliative care for adults and pediatrics, general inpatient care and respite care at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House, hospice family bereavement support, Hope Counseling outpatient mental health counseling for adults and children, and Camp Wokini, a youth camp for children and teens who have experienced loss. For more information about CHHS programs call 209.578.6300 or visit hospiceheart.org.
###
For Immediate Release
Contacts: Kristin Mostowski | Director of Public Relations | Kristin.Mostowski@hospiceheart.org | 209.578.6301