| |  | | |  | Dear Adoray Volunteers, Happy National Volunteer Appreciation Month! What a beautiful time of year to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible gifts you bring to our mission every day. Just like spring in Wisconsin, your compassion, dedication, and kindness bring new life and color to everything we do. We couldn’t have asked for a more joyful start to the week than our Volunteer Appreciation Sock Hop Luncheon! From the poodle skirts to the gorgeous floral floats donated by Pearson Florist and Greenhouse in River Falls, it was a day full of smiles, laughter, and heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for letting us shower you with the appreciation you so deeply deserve. A special congratulations to our 2024 Volunteer Award recipients: -
Kim Patterson – Nancy Parlin Hospice Volunteer of the Year -
Mary Frey – Barb Hess Treasures Volunteer of the Year – Baldwin -
Hillary McPherson – Barb Hess Treasures Volunteer of the Year – River Falls -
Grace Bjorklund – Barb Hess Treasures Volunteer of the Year – Osceola Your commitment to our patients, families, and thrift stores is a shining example of what it means to serve with love. | |  | | | Menomonie Treasures Store Update
Meanwhile, the excitement continues to build in Menomonie, where our newest Treasures from the Heart store is coming to life! We’ve had a full house of volunteers helping with the transformation this past weekend. Check out the energy on our Facebook page. And with over 500 followers already on our Menomonie Treasures Facebook page in just 3 months, it's clear the community is just as excited as us! | | Karen and Toni were out at the Menomonie Volunteer Fair this week! Helping the community discover all the meaningful (and fun!) ways they can join Adoray’s Circle of Care! We're still in need of donations and volunteers, so continue to help spread with your friends and family. | | | | This Friday, we invite you to join us at Glenhaven in Glenwood City for the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of our first-ever Hospice Suite partnership. This serene, home-like space is a powerful reminder of the comfort and connection we strive to provide in life’s most meaningful moments. I hope to see you there as we celebrate this beautiful new chapter together. | |  | And finally, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the upcoming retirement of Joleen Larson, our beloved General Manager of Treasures from the Heart and River Falls Store Manager. After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Joleen will be retiring on July 31, 2025. | | | | Joleen has been a pillar of strength and leadership, shaping Treasures into a thriving, compassionate extension of our care. Her integrity, kindness, and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on our organization and community. From training staff, mentoring volunteers, managing inventory and displays, and creating welcoming environments in each store, Joleen has done it all, and always with heart. Please stay tuned for details on Joleen’s farewell celebration—we look forward to honoring her extraordinary legacy. More details coming soon! | | | | To each and every one of you, thank you. Whether you’re walking alongside patients, supporting families, or working hard in our stores—you are making a lasting impact. You are part of the beautiful growth we see this time of year. I hope as you move through April, you’ll take a moment to feel the sunshine, hear the birdsong, and remember the joy and meaning you bring into this world. Let’s continue to lift each other up and carry forward the spirit of Adoray—one of love, community, and unwavering care. With heartfelt gratitude and admiration,
Christa Walz, PT, BS, MA PT
Executive Director, Adoray Home Health & Hospice | | | | | | | |  | Wishing a Happy Birthday to all our amazing volunteers who are Celebrating their big day in April! | | APRIL GROTH - Apr 1 RYAN ROSS - Apr 1 Jennifer Kazeks - Apr 6 Kenneth Ballard - Apr 7 Kathy Norden - Apr 10 ASTRID DOWNEY - Apr 13 Katherine Hall - Apr 13 RACHEAL HOVLAND - Apr 14 CHARLIE LUICK - Apr 15 LUDUSKA O'CONNELL - Apr 15 Dawn Marquart - Apr 16 | | | Nancy Hansen - Apr 16 KATHY SVOBODA - Apr 17 KATHY STRAUB - Apr 18 LINDA MERRIER - Apr 18 Vicki Seibel Betzold - Apr 18 CATHERINE GUNSALLUS - Apr 21 BARBARA LARSON - Apr 22 MELISSA REULE - Apr 22 Joyce Lundberg - Apr 27 CAROLE ENGLUND - Apr 28 | | | | | | | | | |  | Only 4 Days Until GiveBIG!
We’re counting down the days to the BIGGEST day of giving—GiveBIG St. Croix Valley!
Happening this Tuesday, April 29th! Every dollar raised helps support Full Circle Aftercare, Adoray’s compassionate service that walks alongside grieving families, helping them navigate life after loss. | |  | We can’t wait to share even more inspiring stories about how our Full Circle Aftercare is making a BIG difference—because of your support—on the BIG day. | | | | | | | | | |  | Adoray Launches New Online Grief Support Community Grief is a universal part of the human experience, but it never feels universal when you're in the middle of it. At Adoray, we understand that grief is deeply personal, often overwhelming, and can feel incredibly isolating. That’s why we’re honored to introduce our new Virtual Adoray Grief Support Group on Facebook. This private group offers a compassionate space for anyone navigating grief to find connection, share stories, explore resources, and keep the memory of their loved ones alive. Whether you’ve lost someone recently or years ago, there’s a place for you here. The group is facilitated by Adoray’s Support Services Manager, Britta Ruff, MSW, APSW, a licensed social worker with personal and professional experience in grief and loss. She shares: | | | | “Grief is something we all face at some point in life, but it’s rarely talked about. After losing my own sister, I truly understood the raw pain that so many of the people I’ve supported have felt. This group is a space to honor our grief, find comfort, and celebrate the ongoing connection we have with those we’ve lost.” We invite you to join us. Whether you’re looking for support, want to share your story, or simply want to feel less alone in your grief, you are welcome. | | | | | | Let’s carry our grief together and keep their memories alive. | | | | | | | |  | Finding Hope and Support in the Dementia Journey:
Adoray Hosts Free Caregivers Conference in Hudson
For anyone who has walked the path of caring for a loved one living with dementia, the journey can feel overwhelming, emotional, and at times—lonely. But you are not alone. Adoray Home Health & Hospice, in partnership with Western Wisconsin Health, invites caregivers, families, and community members to gather for an afternoon of education, encouragement, and connection at the 2nd Annual Dementia Caregivers Conference on Wednesday, June 4th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Marie B. Blakeman Community Center in Hudson, WI.
This free event, now in its second year, is part of Adoray’s deep commitment to empowering caregivers and improving the lives of those living with dementia throughout our community.
A Growing Need for Awareness and Support
Dementia—including Alzheimer's disease—is one of the most significant health challenges facing aging adults today. More than 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. By 2050, that number is expected to nearly double.
Behind every person living with dementia is a network of family members, friends, and caregivers who often carry a heavy emotional and physical burden. Many of these caregivers are unpaid family members—spouses, siblings, or adult children—doing their best to provide comfort and dignity while navigating the unfamiliar terrain of a degenerative brain disease.
That’s where education and community make all the difference.
Expert Guidance from Sheri Fairman
Returning for a second year is Sheri Fairman, a Certified Teepa Snow Trainer known for her compassionate, engaging, and deeply informative sessions. Fairman specializes in helping caregivers understand the complex changes that happen in the brain due to dementia—and how small adjustments in our approach can make a world of difference.
Two featured sessions at the conference include:
• Care Champion 1 (1:00 – 2:30 p.m.)
Dive into the science of the brain and how dementia affects different regions and behaviors. Learn practical skills to support your loved one with dignity and understanding, while also discovering how your own mindset and approach can positively influence their experience.
• The Fish Approach (2:45 – 4:00 p.m.)
This fun and interactive session uses the metaphor of “getting in the water” to help caregivers build stronger, more meaningful connections with those living with dementia. Through real-life examples and communication strategies, attendees will learn how to respond with empathy and patience—even in the toughest moments.
Real Stories, Real Inspiration
Before the educational sessions begin, attendees will hear a touching personal story from a local caregiver during the Caregiver Connection session at 12:45 p.m.. This powerful testimonial serves as a reminder that although every dementia journey is unique, shared experiences can inspire strength and foster a sense of community.
More Than a Conference—It’s a Community of Care
Whether you’re a spouse, adult child, friend, or professional caregiver, this conference is designed to provide tools you can use right away to make life a little easier—for both you and the person you’re caring for. You’ll leave with:
• Practical caregiving techniques
• Greater understanding of dementia
• New ways to improve communication and connection
• Community resources
• A renewed sense of hope
Lunch will be provided, and registration is completely free, thanks to the generous support of Adoray and its community partners. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Register Today!
Call Adoray at 715-629-1888 or Email a.bettinger@adoray.org by Friday, May 23rd. | | | | | | | |  | According to definition a Volunteer is, a special person, a helping hand, a listening ear, the one who offers care and support to those in need, someone who gives their time, energy, skills, and knowledge freely to make a difference, someone who is caring, generous, thoughtful, and selfless difference maker. In reality, I see how much each one of the hospice volunteers exemplify characteristics of a volunteer definition every time they make a visit. In the first three months of 2025 hospice volunteers offered over 345 total service hours and completed over 460 visits. That is incredible! I see “Compassion in Action, Integrity in Care” each time I meet with a volunteer, read their visit notes, and talk to a family member. The quote I shared in our weekly newsletter said “we cannot change the outcome, but we can affect the journey” is such a great explanation on what hospice volunteering is all about. A smile, a touch, a presence, a card game, flowers from your back yard, a simple “how is your day so far going”, all these “small” gestures affect the journey our patients are on. And each one of you is a part of that journey. We thank you for it.
In their own words one of our hospice volunteer couples shared with us their story of
“Why I volunteer for hospice”. Volunteering for Adoray is a blessing. My name is Karen Eno and nine years ago I prayed that God would use me to serve others. A few years before I had volunteered for a hospice in Phoenix as a visitor. I enjoyed my visits with patients and now I wanted to use my love for music, too. But I needed others to join me in this mission. I prayed God would guide me. I mentioned my interest to a friend, who plays piano. She immediately said, “Yes, I have been looking to do something like this. We then proceeded to get the word out…talked to others, put ads in newspapers and church bulletins. God provided. A group of seven women met for the first time on September 15, 2015. A group of beautiful, spirit filled women who came together to use their gifts to serve others. That is what God calls us to do. Peace in the Valley Singers was born with all the right parts and the right blend. What a blessing! We are now in our 10th year and wow, how blessed we have been. Our group has developed a close friendship, one that I depend on. We have experienced joy in the smiles of the patients. We have witnessed peace in their spirits. They are grateful and joyful in the midst of their circumstances. What a lesson they have taught us. We are all getting older, but we keep on singing. One of our songs is: How can I Keep from Singing? We will keep singing until the cat gets us. It is our Call. Karen Eno – Leader of Peace in the Valley Singers group
I feel blessed to be a hospice volunteer. I have found that the time I spend with my patients impacts me more than I ever had thought possible. Quite often my patients want nothing more than someone to listen to their life story, a recap of the history of their life. I feel privileged when they share these stories, and I am humbled by their trust in me. Connections are made and both participants profit. What a joy! Bob Eno – Visiting hospice volunteer | | Martina😊
Hospice Volunteer Manager | | | | Dates to save on your calendar
April 30st - Volunteer connection
June 4th – 2nd Annual Dementia Caregivers Conference - Registration Required
June 16th - Annual mandatory training followed by Volunteer picnic | |  | | | | | | | April 20th was National Death Doula Day, and we want to take this moment to honor the compassionate presence and sacred support our team of End-of-Life Doulas (EOLDs) bring to Adoray's Hospice and Palliative patients and their loved ones.
Already in 2025, our doulas have:
*Provided over 40 hours of emotional support and meaningful connection through planning, legacy projects, and simply holding space with patients
*Traveled more than 1,100 miles to ensure no one feels alone at the end of life
To our EOLD team of staff and volunteers: thank you for your quiet strength, deep empathy, and unwavering devotion to serving others. Your impact brings beautiful meaning, advocacy, and legacy when it’s needed most.
We are always looking for Volunteers to join our EOLD team, and Adoray provides training. Call us at 715-629-1888 to discover how you can join our circle of care! | |  | | | We are accepting New Volunteers to join our End of Life Doula Team!! If you have any questions or interested in learning more, please reach out to Martina. | | | | Martina Steltzner
Hospice Volunteer Manager Contact Information
Direct Cell: 715-928-9981
Email: m.steltzner@adoray.org | | | | | | | |  | We are excited to be accepting Donations at our New store in Menomonie | |  | Stay up to date on all the fun by liking and following our Facebook page! | | | | | | | | Treasures Volunteer Drawing Winners River Falls: Georgia Whall Baldwin: Osceola: Maria Riles | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | |  | Maria fills in extra and one of the volunteers to help sort through the book donations to the Osceola store. Another volunteer, Mary Jo Kruegar, helps out weekly wherever needed. She has also revamped our plethora of awesome donated books at the store! They truly are a joy to work alongside! We are so excited to announce our volunteer hours totaled over 650 hours this past quarter! These volunteers are so dedicated and committed to Adoray's mission and give with such gratitude. April being Volunteer Appreciation month we would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all our volunteers that make such a difference to Adoray's Treasures From The Heart store in Osceola! | | | | | | | | | | | |  | Congratulations to our Adoray Treasures from the Heart River Falls Volunteer of the Year, Hillary McPherson! Hillary has become an integral part of our team. While volunteering 3-4 days per week, she helps us sort donations, prices and fills our kitchen and craft areas, and so much more. She fills every interaction with donates, customers, staff, and her fellow volunteers with compassion, caring, humor, and a dedication to our mission. Thank you, Hillary! | | | | | | | | Virtual Suggestion Box Do you have ideas on how to make Adoray a better place to work and care for patients? Submit your ideas using the virtual suggestion box. This box will be monitored daily and will be forwarded to the appropriate manager for action. | | | | | |  | Adoray Home Health & Hospice
990 Main Street, Suite 1, Suite 1 | Baldwin, Wisconsin 54002
715-629-1888 | a.bettinger@adoray.org | | Get Social with Adoray Today! | | | | | | |
