| |  | | |  | Dear Adoray Volunteers, As we step into September, I can’t help but feel grateful for the energy, dedication, and heart you each bring to Adoray. We also have exciting recognition to share, our Hospice 5-Star rating is now live on Care Compare! In addition, Adoray has once again received the SHP Best “Superior Performer” making us Back-to-Back Champs Award for Hospice Care! These accomplishments are a direct reflection of the integrity, compassion, and excellence you bring to your work every single day. | | | | You—our volunteers—are such a vital part of these achievements. Whether you are a hospice volunteer directly supporting patients and families, a volunteer at one of our Treasures from the Heart stores helping raise funds to keep our programs thriving, or a grief support volunteer walking alongside families after loss, you each add the personal touch that makes Adoray truly stand apart. Your compassion ensures that our mission is never about profit, but always about people. Because of you, we are able to meet the unique needs of our community—physical, spiritual, and emotional—at life’s most tender moments. Thank you for being the heart of this mission. This month also marks a special milestone for me personally, today, September 15th, is my one-year anniversary as your Executive Director. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand just how extraordinary our Volunteers truly are. I thought I knew Adoray before, but stepping into this role has given me a deeper appreciation for the compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment that you each bring. Having just celebrated my 20th Anniversary with Adoray, I can truly say that this place is unlike any other. Adoray is a community bound by heart, where people come together in compassion, walk with others in their most tender moments, and remind us all of the beauty of serving with purpose. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this journey, and to lead alongside each of you who make it so extraordinary. | |  | | | Of course, September continues to be filled with excitement! Earlier this month, we celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of our second Hospice Suite at Golden Age Manor in Amery, WI. It was truly a full house and so heartwarming to see the outpouring of community support for these sacred spaces at the end of life. Moments like this remind me of how much our work matters—not only to the families we serve, but also to the communities that surround us. | |  | And don’t forget, we will gather on the 30th of this month for a milestone that is thanks to you all, Adoray’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on September 30th. This will be a truly special evening to honor our past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to a bright future. Like a pearl formed over time, Adoray has grown into something extraordinary because of the people who make it shine - you! Please RSVP using the link below and join us for this meaningful celebration of 30 years of compassionate care. | | | | | | Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do to bring our mission to life. You inspire me daily, and I couldn’t be prouder to walk this journey with you. With heartfelt gratitude,
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 September! | | BRUCE ROSAND Sep 2 KATHY STRAUSS Sep 2 Bonnie Roettger Sep 4 DARLENE KONGSHAUG Sep 4 Lucy Palmer Sep 4 HOLLY EMERY Sep 5 Marloyen DeLaine Sep 5 SUE GAVIN Sep 5 LINDA GILL Sep 7 MARY ANN JOHNSON Sep 8 KELLY RUFF Sep 15 | | | ARDEN WILLIAMS Sep 17 Nikki Hoffart Sep 17 STEPHENIE MODE Sep 18 JULIE WASSER Sep 22 MORIAH KLEJESKI Sep 22 Jane Scholz Sep 23 LINDA HOLM Sep 24 JEANINE HELGEVOLD Sep 25 JANE HENDRIX Sep 28 PAT SAWYER Sep 28 KIERAN KRENTZ Sep 29 | | | | | | | | | |  | At Adoray Home Health & Hospice, we believe that care extends far beyond the bedside. Supporting those who are navigating the difficult journey of grief is a vital part of our mission, whether you’re a patient’s loved one or a member of our wider community.
Adoray Grief Support Group (In Person)
Adoray Office – 990 Main Street, Suite 1, Baldwin, WI 54002
Meets every 4th Thursday of the month at 3:00 PM
This group is open to anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one, whether your grief is fresh or something you’ve carried for years, you are welcome here. Together, we will create a safe and supportive space to share your story, reflect, and connect with others walking a similar path.
No registration is required. Just come as you are.
Questions?
Contact Britta Ruff, MSW, APSW
715-928-9983 | b.ruff@adoray.org | |  | Are you caring for a loved one through hospice, palliative, or home health care? Being a caregiver is a meaningful and often challenging role — and you don’t have to do it alone.
Adoray's Caregiver Support Group offers a compassionate and welcoming space to connect with others who understand the unique journey of caregiving. Whether you're just beginning or have been walking this path for years, this group is here to support you with encouragement, education, and a sense of community.
What to Expect:
• Practical tools to support your caregiving journey
• Tips for emotional and physical self-care
• Opportunities to share experiences and gain insight
• Local resources and support services
• A safe space to be heard, seen, and supported
When: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM
Where: Adoray Office, Baldwin, WI
This group is free to attend, and registration is appreciated but not required.
Questions?
Contact Britta Ruff, MSW, APSW
715-928-9983 | b.ruff@adoray.org
Join us as we walk this journey together — with compassion, connection, and care. | |  | The holidays are a season of joy, but they can also be a tender reminder of those we are missing. No matter how long it has been since a loved one has passed, Adoray recognizes that while time moves forward, love forever lives on. Our annual Love Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony is a heartfelt way to honor the names of those who have illuminated our lives. Together, we gather to share in the comfort of community, celebrate the lives that touched ours so deeply, and find hope in the glow of the Love Lights Tree. The ceremony will include a reading of names, a message of comfort from our Bereavement staff, and the lighting of the Love Lights Tree. Light refreshments will be provided. Friday, December 5, 2025
3:30–4:30 PM Social & Ornament Finding • 4:30 PM Program & Tree Lighting
Gazebo in Bailey Park, Baldwin, WI
Or join virtually via live broadcast: facebook.com/AdorayHHH To ensure your loved one’s name is included, please return the form below by Friday, November 21st. | | | NEW
Treasured Keepsake Ornament | |  | Original Artwork by Julie Hanlon-Johnson (Adoray Hospice Volunteer) “This tree glows as a beacon of love, each light a cherished memory shining brightly through the winter night. May its gentle radiance bring comfort, peace, and the enduring warmth of hope.” | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | I read in a book “Always be kind. If you see someone falling behind, walk beside them. If someone is being ignored, find a way to include them. If someone has been knocked down, lift them up. Always remind people of their worth. Be who you needed when you were going through hard times. Just one small act of kindness could mean a world to someone. “
Kindness, compassion and love- that’s what I see when I connect with each hospice volunteer, through personal visits, over the phone or email.
I cannot tell you what a privilege it is to be working with each one of you. AMAZING. Thank you, Volunteers. Martina | | | 5% Report
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandates that at least 5% of total patient care hours be provided by volunteers. This ensures the original spirit of hospice (community-driven support) remains intact.
June - Total volunteer service hours: 112.35
- Total volunteer visits: 156
- Total volunteer percentage: 7.20%
July - Total volunteer service hours: 110.72
- Total volunteer visits: 147
- Total volunteer percentage: 6.56%
| | | | Why do I volunteer for hospice? I decided I wanted to be a hospice volunteer after experiencing the love and caring of volunteers back in 2010, when both my mother and my brother-in-law were on hospice care. I thought, "I could do that," as a way to give back and pass on service to others. I love talking to people and hearing their stories. I have met so many interesting, good people - both patients and families. It has been a blessing in my life to spend this time with them.
~Kathy Watters, Adoray Hospice Volunteer I was raised by parents that actively practiced volunteerism. They were both involved in many activities for the greater good. My Dad had a saying “If everybody helped a little, no one would have to help a lot”. I have tried to follow in their footsteps by pursing opportunities for service. When I learned of Adoray Hospice, it resounded with me because of how hospice care helped their last times. When I visit patients, I remember my parents’ volunteerism and hope that I am honoring that memory by helping care for people in their last times.
~James Schrock, Adoray Hospice Volunteer | | Dates to Save!
September 24th - Adoray Volunteer Connection
September 30th - Adoray 30th Anniversary Celebration - Registration Required | |  | | | | | | | 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 | | | | | | | | | | | |  | Our Adoray River Falls Treasures from the Heart Volunteer of the Month is Kathy Svoboda. As longtime supporters of our mission, Kathy and her husband Wayne (Swede to all of us who know him!) have picked up and delivered donations for us,changed our high ceiling light bulbs,and done so many more projects to help our store. As a cashier,Kathy is always willing to step in and fill in an extra shift if she can. A big thanks to her for all that she and Swede do for Adoray! | | | | | | Deb Seibertlich is putting new fabric on our fitting room stools. They look amazing! Deb is a real asset to our store. | | | | Let us introduce our new volunteer cashier, Maley! Maley and her husband, Craig, moved to River Falls a little over a year ago, to be closer to their daughter Grace and her family. Grace owns and operates Waystone Coffee in River Falls. When not spending time with her grandchildren, Maley enjoys sewing,and,of course, thrifting. Stop in and welcome her to the team! | | | | | | | |  | September is off to a wonderful start here in Menomonie! With UW–Stout students back, the town is full of energy—and they love to thrift! We had such a great time meeting so many new faces at the Meet Menomonie event, and it’s exciting to be their new go-to thrift shop within walking distance of campus. We also loved connecting with our neighbors during The Great Community Cookout right outside our doors. | | | | It’s hard to believe it’s already been 3 months since our ribbon cutting. To all the amazing volunteers who have joined in this journey, THANK YOU! As someone who once owned a salon downtown, being part of this community again means so much to me, and I’m thrilled to bring Menomonie this feel-good, nonprofit thrift shopping experience. With the return of students comes a growing need for donations. Please help us spread the word! Bring in your home décor, seasonal items, and those long-forgotten treasures hiding under the stairs, we’ll give them new life, and together we’ll support our community with compassionate care through Adoray. With gratitude, Karen | | | | | | | | | | 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! | | | | | | |
