News

Community Hospice Announces Resignation of President/CEO C. DeSha McLeod

September 30, 2021

For Immediate Release

Contacts: Kristin Mostowski, Director of Public Relations | Community Hospice | Kristin.Mostowski@hospiceheart.org | 209.578.6301

Community Hospice Announces Resignation of President/CEO C. DeSha McLeod Modesto, CA (September 29, 2021) – The Community Hospice, Inc. Board of Directors announced the resignation of Ms. C. DeSha McLeod as President/CEO effective Friday, September 24, 2021.

Ms. McLeod has made the difficult decision to pursue a new opportunity out of state which allows her to be closer to her family. She shared, “It has been an honor to serve as the leader of Community Hospice and its affiliates these past years. I am truly grateful for my time and the opportunity to work with the amazing staff, volunteers and Boards in service to our community. I am most proud of Community Hospice being awarded one of the Best Places to Work in the Central Valley for four consecutive years.”

She joined Community Hospice in 2013 and during her eight-year tenure Ms. McLeod guided her staff to successfully develop, expand and implement the following:

  • Community Care Choices, a palliative care program focused on enhancing quality of life for individuals facing a serious illness.
  • Expansion of specialized Pediatric Care Programs, offering hospice and palliative care services to children and families in our community.
  • Camp Erin® of the Central Valley, a grief camp for children and teens ages 6-17 who have experienced the loss of someone close.
  • Hope Counseling, therapeutic support for individuals with family, mental health and behavioral issues.
  • Expansion of Retail Operations opening Hope Chest Thrift Store locations in Stockton and Turlock.
  • Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software, communication platforms and other technological efficiencies.“On behalf of the members of the Community Hospice Board, we share our gratitude for DeSha’s invaluable contribution and dedication to the mission of the organization,” said Mrs. Susan Donker, Community Hospice Board Chair. “We support her decision and wish her the very best in all of her future endeavors.”Mr. John Renner, Director of Operations has been named Interim President/CEO effective immediately. Mr. Renner has been employed with Community Hospice for more than 18 years and serves as a member of the Senior Leadership team.

    “The Board has complete confidence in John as the Interim President/CEO,” added Mrs. Donker. “Along with John’s dedication and years of service at Community Hospice he has proven sound judgement, outstanding performance and compassion for the mission.”

    The Board has appointed a selection committee to spearhead the recruitment of a new President/CEO.

    About Community Hospice

    Community Hospice is the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley. Serving thecommunity since 1979, Community Hospice has cared for thousands of friends and neighbors, embracing individuals and families facing life-changing journeys, enhancing quality of life for all. Care extends to more than 2,000 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities and at the 16-bed inpatient Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community. For more information, call 209.578.6300 or visit hospiceheart.org.

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New Virtual Program for Teens Experiencing Issues Due to Loss

March 19, 2021

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Kristin Mostowski, Director of Public Relations | Community Hospice | Kristin.Mostowski@hospiceheart.org | 209.578.6301
 
Community Hospice Offers New Virtual Quaran-Teen Challenge Program
 
MODESTO, CA (March 19, 2021) –Community Hospice Grief Support Services Department is pleased to introduce Quaran-Teen Challenge a new virtual program for teens, ages 13-17, who are experiencing issues due to loss.
 
During this time of tremendous uncertainty due to the COVID-19 public health emergency crisis, many have mourned with teens and other kids who have missed out on milestones and events. Parents and friends have shown creativity and adapted to make the best of these trying times by offering drive-by graduations and online celebrations. In some spaces however, you can find voices diminishing those grieving losses of events, hopes, or plans as unimportant or insignificant because someone did not die. Whether it is a stranger commenting on an online news story or a beloved grandparent, those kinds of comments can sting.
 
“For many kids, specifically teens, this type of message suggests that their feelings and emotions are invalid and should not be expressed, which is opposite of what should be happening. Instead, we should be listening and offering reassurance and acceptance of our young people. In place of the push to get things back to “normal” while the pandemic continues, it is important to take the time to validate their emotions,” shared Karina Castillo, LCSW, Community Hospice Children’s Grief Program Manager. “We all crave normalcy but with nothing normal, it’s hard for everyone, especially kids, to cope.”
 
Being an adolescent during normal times can be trying enough for many teens. Not only are teens adjusting to the normal physical changes of puberty, high school social pressures, and growing homework loads, they now are faced with additional stress presented by the public health emergency crisis, civil distress and the political strife that surrounds us all. As a result, teens may be feeling more stressed out, overwhelmed, anxious, angry or even depressed from the losses they have endured. If you or a teen you know needs support, Quaran-Teen Challenge is your safe place to hang out and get help.
 
Quaran-Teen Challenge, facilitated by trained grief support staff, is an eight-week virtual support group hosted on Zoom. Participants will be offered education, insights and coping skills to emerge stronger and more resilient. While there is no fee to participate, registration is required to join the Quaran-Teen Challenge group. The next group begins March 25, 2021 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to register call 209.578.6318.  
 
About Community Hospice
Community Hospice is the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley. Serving the community since 1979, Community Hospice has cared for thousands of friends and neighbors, embracing individuals and families facing life-changing journeys, enhancing quality of life for all. Care extends to more than 2,000 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities and at the 16-bed inpatient Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community. For more information, call 209.578.6300 or visit hospiceheart.org.