Several individuals, groups, and businesses were honored November 16 at Hospice Care Plus’s annual dinner, held in November to celebrate National Hospice Month.
Staff members were honored for years of service and presented with employee awards. The Above and Beyond Awards were presented to four community partners who go to great lengths to support hospice and palliative care and the Hospice Care Plus mission.
Congratulations to all the award winners, and thank you for all you do for our organization!
ABOVE & BEYOND AWARDS
Baptist Health Lexington Palliative Care Program: For their dedication to the needs of patients and families, for ensuring access to hospice and palliative care, and for their commitment to quality of life. Laura Dicks accepted the award on behalf of the program.
Beattyville Christian Church: For donating their space for several years as the site for the Evening of Music, a fundraiser that has generated $10,000 in support of our programs and services. Evening of Music volunteers and organizers were included in this honor (Suzie Booth, Lynda Congleton, Geneva Duncil, Cheri Murrey, and Avis Thompson, all of whom are either current or former Hospice Care Plus board members). Pastor Ken Ward accepted the award on behalf of the church.
Eastern Kentucky University Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA): For 14 years of volunteering to valet park guests at the Gala on Derby Eve. SAA Mikayla Courtney, Kayla Huff, Kelli Blount, and Kelsey Wolfzorn accepted on behalf of the EKU SSA program.
Peytontown Baptist Church: For donating funds and food to enable Hospice Care Plus to provide Thanksgiving meals to patients and families in need. Pastor Jonathan Tussey accepted on behalf of Peytontown Baptist.
EMPLOYEE HONORS
Synergy Award: The Nursing Home Hospice Care Team. The Synergy Award is presented to a team or department that demonstrates ideals of collaboration and teamwork in meeting goals. Members of the Nursing Home Team are Chelsea Shearer, nurse aid; Connie Kates, nurse aid; Denise McKinney, chaplain; Dianna Bond, social worker; Dorsie Puckett, primary nurse; and Lori Lee, co-primary nurse.
Aspire Award: Denise Sparks, Admission Nurse. The Aspire Award is for new employees who aspire to the highest standards of performance and are committed to ongoing education, meeting goals and expectations, compassion in their care, and the mission of Hospice Care Plus.
Compassion in Action Award: Sally Iseral, Chaplain. The Compassion Award is for employees who go above and beyond the call of duty, cheers on others, is compassionate in their interactions, is willing to chip in, and has patients’ sand families’ interests at heart.
Excellence in Care Award: Teresa Turner, Nurse Practitioner. The Excellence Award is presented to those whose outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence enhance the care of patients, families, and the community.
Directors’ Award: Jennifer Ponder, Director of Home Care. The Directors’ Award is given to those employees who are strong advocates for hospice care, have a long-term commitment, and have gone above and beyond in their support of the organization.
YEARS-OF-SERVICE AWARDS
20 Years: Donna Tapley, Secretary
15 Years: Connie Kates, Nurse Aid
10 Years: Joyce Whallen, Billing Specialist and Missy Boyken, Nurse Aid
5 Years: Chelsea Shearer, Nurse Aid; Kacelia DeGregorio, Insurance Coordinator; Paige Tipton, Healthcare Liaison; and Regina King, Secretary
Hospice Care Plus empowers those we serve to enjoy the highest quality of life, respecting their values, beliefs, needs, and goals through specialized care, education, resources, and grief support.
Our Service Area:
Our Home Hospice and Home Palliative Care programs serve you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.
Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.
Recent News:
Rockin’ Derby Eve Benefit Friday May 2
News & Events

CEO to Retire after 26 Years
After nearly three decades of leadership, Gail McGillis, the CEO of Hospice Care Plus based in Madison County, has announced her retirement. A master’s-prepared nurse, Gail came to Hospice Care Plus in 1994 from the University of Kentucky, where she served as a clinical nurse manager. At that time, the young, grassroots hospice organization employed…

Noodle Nirvana Announces Hospice Partnership
Noodle Nirvana, Berea’s fast-casual restaurant featuring homemade, Thai-inspired noodle bowls, has announced its most recent community partner. Hospice Care Plus, based in Berea, is the fourth non-profit organization to be the beneficiary of Noodle Nirvana’s mission to thrive as a small business while supporting its community with high-impact donations to local non-profits over the course…

Murder Mystery Dinner at Mardi Gras
It’s a murder mystery with a Mardi Gras theme, and it’s happening Saturday, August 10 at the Estill County Fair Barn. With the help of the River City Players Community Theater Group in Irvine, local organizers are planning a night to remember. With a served meal and lots of drama, guests will enjoy puzzling through…

Shadow Box Workshop July 12
A special workshop to help individuals and families remember and honor a loved one is coming July 12. The Shadow Box Workshop gives participants all the supplies they need—shadow boxes, scrapbook materials, and creative tools—to make their own shadow box or scrapbook page to display at home. There is no fee. All are invited, though…