Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc.

11/27/2025

Today, we’re reflecting on the people who make our hospice community so special. We’re grateful for the families who trust us during life’s most meaningful moments, the caregivers and staff who lead with compassion every day, and the volunteers and supporters who show just how strong this community is.

From our hospice family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope your day is filled with peace, comfort, and meaningful moments. 💚

11/25/2025

Our “Hearts That Heal, Hands That Feed” food drive was a huge success, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make it happen! ❤️‍🩹

Thanks to the generosity of our staff across all locations, we assembled 100 full holiday meals for families in Orange and Sullivan Counties. These meals were delivered to our community partners to make sure support reached the homes that need it most.

This was more than a food drive. It was compassion in action and a reminder of how powerful this community is.

🤗 Watch to see the heart behind this effort.
Video credit to Chip Atkins

11/20/2025

A HUGE thank you to Rob and Kecia DeGroodt RD's Paving Inc. for conjuring up an unforgettable night at the 4th Annual Hospice Halloween Benefit at Nu-Cavu Restaurant! 👻🎃 From spooky costumes to spellbinding music, it was a frightfully fun evening and truly one of the most bewitching events of the season. If you missed it, make sure it’s on your calendar for next year. Special thanks also go to Miller's Sunshine Cleaning, Dan Maier, Sabrina Warden and Jon & Kim DiSilvestro,

Thanks to the DeGroodts’ and the committees hard work and the incredible support of our community, this ghoulishly good gathering raised over $25,000 to benefit Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties.

A special shout-out to First Round for the amazing music that kept the spirits high all night long.

Extra special thank you to B&D Taxi in Walden for providing safe rides home for everyone all night. Thank you keeping us all safe!

We are also deeply grateful to all of the event sponsors who helped make the magic happen. Thank you for lifting our spirits and supporting our mission. If we missed anyone, please accept our apologies and know how much we appreciate every single one of you.

The first photo is from today’s check presentation followed by a few other fun snaps from the party.

What a night, what a community. 🖤🕸️

11/14/2025

Thriving Families Grief Support Group

Because children grieve too — and they need a safe place to heal.

Grief touches the hearts of our children just as deeply as adults yet it manifests differently. At Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, clinicians have specifically designed the Thriving Families Grief Support Group to give children the opportunity to be seen, heard, and gently supported through their loss.
Through creative expression, age-appropriate activities, and compassionate conversation, children can explore their feelings in a nurturing and comforting environment. While they participate in the children’s session, parents and guardians also gather separately — learning how to best understand their child’s grief, support them at home, and care for their own hearts as well.

All sessions take place on select Mondays from 6:00–7:30 PM via Zoom.

No family needs to walk through loss alone. This support group is open to Hospice families and Community families free of cost.
We’re here to help guide each step with compassion, understanding, and hope.

📞 845-561-6111 x 232
🌐 Learn more at hospiceoforange.com
Together, we help families heal — one moment, one conversation, one child at a time.

11/06/2025

Yesterday, our community came together for the 6th Annual Community Breakfast, a morning filled with hope, compassion, and connection. 💛

With heartfelt stories shared by families, volunteers, and staff, and thoughtful moderation from Eric Gatsik, President & CEO of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, and Heather Bell-Meyer, President & CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, the event was a beautiful reminder of the love and dignity at the heart of hospice care.

🔗 Visit the link in our bio to learn how you can get involved and support our mission.

11/04/2025

At the New York State Capitol, hospice leaders and advocates came together with one united voice — to protect compassion over profit

In the photos:
Jeanne Chirico, Executive Director of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State Hpcanys Albany NY and Assemblymember Dr. Assemblymember Anna Kelles, the dedicated sponsor of this critical legislation. Both stand proudly alongside Eric Gatsik, President & CEO of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties — representing our shared mission to preserve the integrity of hospice care across New York.
This bipartisan bill— which has already passed both the Senate and Assembly — calls on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign S.3437/A.565 into law to protect nonprofit hospices. Hospice isn’t a business transaction, it’s a promise — to walk with every patient and family through fear, through grief, and through love until the very end. Hospice is about making every moment left matter. It’s about comfort, dignity, and love. We owe it to every family we serve to protect the integrity of this care — to ensure hospice always remains a place where hearts lead.

We're thankful to ABC 10 for covering the rally.
https://www.news10.com/news/ny-news/new-york-hospice-bill-advocacy/

10/31/2025

You’re Invited: 6th Annual Community Breakfast

Come be part of a morning that celebrates hope, compassion, and community.
Together, we’ll honor the incredible impact of hospice care—the moments of comfort, courage, and connection that touch so many lives every single day.
Hear powerful, heartfelt stories from families, staff, volunteers, and community members whose lives have been forever changed by hospice care. Their words remind us that love and dignity are at the heart of every journey.

This inspiring event will be co-moderated by Eric Gatsik, President & CEO of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, and Heather Bell-Meyer, President & CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
Through open conversation and shared experience, you’ll witness the strength, compassion, and humanity that define our hospice mission.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, meaningful conversation, and a chance to connect with others who believe deeply in the power of care and community.

📅 Wednesday, November 5
🕣 Registration: 8:30 AM
🕘 Program: 9:00 – 10:30 AM
📍 The Barn at Villa Venezia
2278 Goshen Turnpike, Middletown, NY

✨ Reserve your seat today and be inspired:

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=497519d1-04d5-4686-b492-edefcb7b9437&envId=p-C-CSMQZhSEaqMwOlBnvXHA&zone=usa

10/28/2025

Help the Hudson Valley Food Bank! They need our support now as a government shutdown threatens crucial SNAP benefits. Please donate or share their appeal to prevent a massive hunger crisis in our community.

On November 1, millions of Americans - including over 307,000 families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities in the Regional Food Bank's service area - will lose access to SNAP benefits (food stamps) as the federal government shutdown halts funding.

These people will turn to the Regional Food Bank and our network of partner pantries to keep themselves and their families fed.

For every meal provided by a food bank, SNAP provides 12 meals. Sustaining service at that level is simply untenable for the Regional Food Bank and other food banks across the country.
Please support our efforts with a donation today. Your gift will provide nourishing meals to neighbors in need.

Donate Now: https://ow.ly/6zCs50XiwuS

10/25/2025

Happy 98th Birthday to Mr. William Kaplan!

Your decades of generosity and steadfast support for Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties — and so many organizations across our community — have touched countless lives. From life’s first moments to its final chapter, your commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare and education has been a guiding force for our region. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do every day.

And congratulations to the Newburgh Armory Unity Center on your 15th Anniversary!
Your work continues to inspire and strengthen our community.

10/24/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You to Orange Bank & Trust

We are deeply touched by the generosity of Orange Bank & Trust who has donated $4,000 in support of our mission to provide compassionate Hospice and Palliative care to our community.
Pictured are:

✨ Eric Gatsik, President & CEO
✨ Emily Robisch, Chief Financial Officer
✨ Kathleen Cole, HOSC Board Member & Vice President, Private Banker
✨ John Fracasse, VP/Branch Manager – Newburgh Branch

With multiple locations across the region, Orange Bank & Trust continues to be a trusted neighbor and dedicated partner to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties. Their continued support helps ensure that every patient and family we serve is met with dignity, comfort, and compassion during life’s most tender moments.
Thank you, Orange Bank & Trust, for standing with us, believing in our mission, and helping us care for those who need it most. Your kindness truly makes a difference.

10/17/2025

Stand Up for Hospice Care in New York

Right now, New York has only two for-profit hospice programs—and 39 nonprofit providers that have been serving our communities with compassion, dignity, and heart for decades.

Nonprofit hospices are mission-driven. Every dollar goes back into patient care, family support, and community programs—not into profits. They ensure that care decisions are guided by what’s best for the patient, not the bottom line.

But without action, for-profit hospices could expand, threatening the compassionate, trusted care that nonprofit hospices have built.

We’re joining the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State (HPCANYS) in urging Governor Hochul to sign the Hospice Care Integrity and Oversight Act (A565/S3437) into law.

This vital legislation would prohibit new for-profit hospices from opening or expanding in New York, while protecting the nonprofit providers that always put patients over profit.

🩵 Here’s how you can help:
Call (518) 474-8390 or write to Governor Hochul and share why hospice care must remain about heart, not dollars.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to do the same.

Together, we can protect the integrity of hospice in New York and ensure that every patient continues to receive care rooted in compassion, community, and mission—not profit.

The Honorable Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

10/15/2025

You're Invited: 6th Annual Community Breakfast

Join us for a morning of inspiration, reflection, and connection as we celebrate the incredible impact of hospice care in our community.

Hear heartfelt stories from families, staff, volunteers, and community members about the meaningful moments and compassionate care shared throughout the year. Together, we’ll honor the dignity, love, and support that hospice brings to so many lives.

This uplifting event will be co-moderated by Eric Gatsik, President & CEO of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, and Heather Bell-Meyer, President & CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
Through open conversation and real experiences, you’ll gain insight into the powerful connections formed through hospice—from those who provide care to those who receive it.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, inspiring dialogue, and the opportunity to connect with others who share a deep belief in compassion and community.

📅 Tuesday, November 5
🕣 Registration: 8:30 AM
🕘 Program: 9:00 – 10:30 AM
📍 The Barn at Villa Venezia
2278 Goshen Turnpike, Middletown, NY

👉 Reserve your seat today:
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=497519d1-04d5-4686-b492-edefcb7b9437&envId=p-C-CSMQZhSEaqMwOlBnvXHA&zone=usa