12/30/2025
The Season of Comfort event hosted by Bakersfield Community Hospice was a powerful evening of remembrance, healing, and connection.
Families gathered to share the stories of their loved ones—speaking their names out loud, honoring their lives, and acknowledging their loss. Whether the loss was recent or many years ago, and regardless of the circumstances, Bakersfield Community Hospice was there to listen, to hold space, and to offer comfort and hope through the journey of grief.
The city of Taft welcomed B*H with open arms, and the evening was made even more meaningful with a special message of support from Mayor, Dave Noerr. We are deeply thankful for the warmth and hospitality of the Taft community, and especially for the opportunity to gather at the historic Taft Historic Fort, a place rich with history and heart.
Local Taft businesses generously donated refreshments and services, helping make this very first Season of Comfort event truly special. Their kindness and community spirit were felt in every detail of the evening.
Thank you to the following businesses that partnered with us to bring an extra touch of love:
Mercy Plaza Pharmacy
Self Brewed Coffee House
Ivy Park at Seven Oaks
Magnolia Place
Gre8t Heritage Printing
Stephanie Stewart Photography
Phast Pharmacy
Patriot Woodworx
Ray Cruz 3d Printing
Southwest Signs
Sequoia Senior Placement
American Legion Post 63
Taft Historic Fort
A heartfelt thank you to the Community Christian Fellowship praise and worship team for providing beautiful, soul-stirring music that gently carried us through moments of reflection and remembrance.
Special appreciation goes to Bakersfield Community Healthcare Community & Veteran Liaison Justina Cruz-Howell, a proud Taft native, for organizing this meaningful event in her hometown and bringing comfort back to her community.
We are also grateful to Bakersfield Community Hospice Chaplain Chris Frost for sharing his wisdom, compassion, and insight on loss and grief, offering words that resonated deeply with all who attended.
To the Taft community: thank you for trusting us, welcoming us, and allowing Bakersfield Community Healthcare to walk alongside you. Your stories, your love, and your resilience are what made this Season of Comfort truly unforgettable.
These photos are courtesy of Ashley Alaine Photography.
Stay tuned for more photos from services donated by
Stephanie Stewart