News Articles

VNA Hospice Volunteer Receives Honor

Date: 02/25/2009

Claire Schmieler Recognized with Two Prestigious Honors

(February 25, 2009, Butler, PA) Claire Schmieler of Harrisville was recently honored with two awards in recognition of the time and talents she shares while spending many hours volunteering for VNA Hospice Services in Butler. Claire was named the 2008 Hospice Volunteer of the Year at a luncheon in October and as a Community Champion at the Jefferson Awards Ceremony held February 12, at the Carnegie Museum and Music Hall in Pittsburgh. The Community Champion Award is named after founding father Thomas Jefferson, a man who reflected the spirit of excellence in America as a recognition to honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service

Claire was introduced to hospice when her late husband passed away in 2005. Since hospice was there to help her through the grieving process, she felt compelled to help others in similar situations by sharing her story of hope. Claire uses her talents in many ways for hospice. She facilitates a monthly support program for those who have lost a partner, called “Transitions.”

Through this support group, Claire is able to provide attendees with a large social network and activities to help them through difficult times. She also works with hospice patients in their homes by visiting with patients during those times when family members need to leave their home or get away for short periods of time. Claire was also instrumental in forming the hospice’s Legacy Life Story Program. For this program, Claire assists patients in writing their life story or by helping them write their story that will live on in scrapbooks given to family members.

Since 1981, VNA Hospice services have been caring for patients and their loved ones facing life-limiting illnesses by providing comfort, hope, and support in making positive care choices during life’s final stages. Visiting throughout Butler, Armstrong, northwest Westmoreland, and parts of surrounding counties, in addition to hospice care, VNA’s other services include nurses, personal care aides, medical equipment, remote health monitoring, emergency response system, private duty, health screening, and wellness promotion.