CHICOPEE-Hugs – and many tears – were exchanged Tuesday morning as Ruth Willemain cut the ceremonial ribbon for Harmony House of Western MA at 663 Pendleton Ave. – an idea she first envisioned almost 10 years ago.
Harmony House of Western MA officially opened June 20 at 663 Pendleton Ave., Chicopee.
Willemain noted in her welcoming remarks that the first person she spoke to about her hospice care idea was Rev. Edwin Larson of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Holyoke. Now retired, Larson stood by Willemain’s side as more than 50 friends, volunteers and board members of Harmony House listened intently.
Rev. Dan Pacholec, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield, on right, delivers a prayer of blessing for Harmony House of Western MA as Ruth Willemain, founder, and Rev. Edwin Larson, retired from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Holyoke, look on.
“I told Pastor Larson I had a dream and wanted to share it with him,” said Willemain, asking Larson if he remembered what he said at that moment.
“I said I will help you and we’ll see that vision come true,” said Larson, adding “I am proud to be standing next to you today.”
After Larson led a prayerful message, Rev. Dan Pacholec, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield, presented a prayer of blessing.
“Lord, bless those in the coming years who will find here, a true home, and a place of comfort, love and peace,” noted Pacholec in his remarks.
More than 50 well-wishers attended the opening of Harmony House of Western MA on Tuesday morning, including Pat Mack, on left, and Diane Wright, on right, from Westfield. Ruth Willemain, founder of Harmony House, is second from left, and joined by Jami-Lynn Lamy, CDP, who serves as marketing/volunteer coordinator for Holyoke VNA/Hospice Life Care.
Harmony House is a 501 (c) 3 social model “end of life” home for individuals across the region with a terminal illness. Willemain’s mission is to provide a home and deliver compassionate care to the dying who lack a positive support system.
“We act as a surrogate family for those who live alone, lack a capable caregiver, are homeless, or are veterans,” said Willemain.
The all volunteer charitable organization will rely solely on grants, donations and fundraising projects and will not receive Medicare or Medicaid funding.
One of the bedrooms at Harmony House.
“I’m very grateful to all of you who have supported us – and especially the gift of your time – you are all so special in my heart,” said Willemain. “I have been blessed beyond belief.”
Prior to the ribbon cutting, Mayor Richard J. Kos praised Willemain for her perseverance all these years.
Harmony House of Western MA has a secluded backyard which features a decorative swing set that accommodates four individuals.
“Harmony House is an example of what can be accomplished when you have individuals like Ruth and the board of directors who want to help others,” said Kos, adding that a local family was also instrumental in donating the use of the ranch house.
With residents soon to arrive at Harmony House, a Meal-A-Month Program has been launched which reaches out to the community seeking delivered cooked meals for four to six people once a month. Meals will be welcomed for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Pacholec said his church is among the first to sign up to help with the meal program.
“I have known Ruth for years and our church has helped with a variety of fundraisers for Harmony House,” said Pacholec. “We’re connected to this mission and I’m so happy to see her full of such joy today.”
Two Blessed Sacrament Parish members from Westfield echoed those sentiments.
Rev. Dan Pacholec, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield, and Rev. Edwin Larson, retired from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Holyoke, offered blessings at the opening of Harmony House of Western MA. They are seen with Ruth Willemain, founder of Harmony House.
“I was amazed and inspired by Ruth when I met her last year at our social justice group program,” said Pat Mack. “After meeting her and all of the volunteers who have followed her all these years, I am now participating in a hospice care volunteer training program through Holyoke VNA/Hospice Life Care so I will be able to help at Harmony House.”
Diane Wright, a friend of Mack’s who also participated in the social justice program, concurred.
“After hearing Ruth’s story and her mission for Harmony House, we all were impressed and wanted to help,” said Wright, adding that immediately the group began assisting in selling Trappistine Handcrafted Candy made by the Sisters of Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey in Wrentham as a fundraiser. “We also look forward to ways our church will become involved in the future to help Harmony House.”
With any new endeavor, there are always “wish list” items that are needed and Harmony House is no exception. Currently, clocks, office supplies, personal care items including toothbrushes and paper goods of all types are especially needed. Board members anticipate needing to raise $4,000 a month to cover basic expenses including food, utilities, insurance, mowing and plowing.
A common sitting room at Harmony House.
“Today is a celebration for everyone who has worked so hard for Harmony House,” said Pamela Quirk, RN, who is overseeing the schedule of direct care health professionals. “We also will always welcome more RN’s, LPN’s, nursing assistants, personal care assistants and home health aides to volunteer their time.”
For more details on volunteering for one eight-hour shift a month, call (413) 331-5252 or send an email to [email protected]. A volunteer application form is posted on the website – www.harmonyhousewma.org – which can be completed and submitted on-line.
“We also have a referral form on-line as well as a resident application,” said Quirk, adding that forms may also be mailed to Harmony House of Western MA, P.O. Box 6135, Holyoke, MA 01041.
For individuals and organizations seeking to make a charitable donation or to participate in the Meal-A-Month program for Harmony House, visit the website for more details.
During tours following remarks, attention to detail in each bedroom was apparent – including the colorful accessories from paintings, bedding and curtains – all color coordinated. The home also features a common dining room and sitting room area. In the backyard, a wooden swing set for four people completes the landscaped area.
“Today is the day to rejoice and be glad,” said Willemain to her army of volunteers who will soon begin serving those who seek to find peace in their last days at Harmony House. “Continue to pray for us since there will always be someone in need.”
