WESTFIELD-Across the region, area residents including members of the Social Justice Team at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church are committed to seeing the vision of Ruth Willemain’s “Harmony House” come to fruition.
Pat Mack of Westfield, on left, is among the volunteers helping Ruth Willemain to fulfill her dream of opening Harmony House, a home for individuals who are terminally ill and are facing death alone or without adequate caregiver support.
During the April 22 gathering of the annual Diocese of Springfield’s Catholic Women’s Conference, Pat Mack of Westfield was among the volunteers selling specialty Trappistine Quality Candy to benefit Harmony House. A special collection during the Liturgy also benefitted Harmony House which will provide a loving home environment with compassionate care for the terminally ill.
Harmony House is designed to provide 24-hour care for up to 10 individuals in a home-like atmosphere, according to Willemain.
“For those who have limited or no resources for special care in their final stages of life, Harmony House is devoted to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere of respect and compassion that honors the dignity of each individual,” said Willemain.
Mack and Karen Scahill, co-facilitators of the Social Justice Team, have spent more than 24 weeks exploring social justice issues in the city – from homeless teenagers to refugees being resettled.
“It has been a journey,” said Mack, explaining that speakers from a multitude of local organizations have shared their roles in helping others in Westfield.
“When Ruth Willemain came to discuss Harmony House as part of our program, we were so impressed by her dedication that we wanted to help her,” said Mack, adding immediately they could assist by helping her sell the Trappistine candy.
“Our 17 team members over the past few months have chosen different projects they feel called to work on and I wanted to help spread the word about Harmony House,” said Mack.
Trappistine candy can be purchased through Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield to benefit Harmony House.
The Trappistine Quality Candy – which is “made with love and prayers” by the Sisters of Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey in Wrentham – has been handcrafted since 1956. Gift-wrapped boxes currently available come in a variety of sizes and price ranges – and can be purchased by calling the church office on Holyoke Road at (413) 562-3450. From milk and dark chocolate squares to butternut munch (chocolate-covered toffee sprinkled with nuts) – all candy is free of preservatives.
“I am grateful for volunteers like Pat who are helping to make Harmony House a reality,” said Willemain.
The home in Chicopee for Harmony House is in its final stages of preparation for individuals across Western Massachusetts, however, Willemain is in need of health care workers to ensure coverage is available when individuals start to arrive.
“We are all set to open but we are in need of dedicated health care workers to donate time to a wonderful cause,” said Willemain, adding that CNA’s, PCA’s, RN’s and LPN’s are needed to volunteer their time for at least one shift each month.
“Health care workers who have experience with care of the dying are preferred,” said Willemain.
For more information on Harmony House or to volunteer, send an email to [email protected]. Donations may also be mailed to Harmony House of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 6135, Holyoke, MA 01041. Harmony House is a 501 (c) 3 corporation and is privately funded through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations. Visit www.harmonyhousewma.org for an overview of Harmony House’s mission, vision and planned resident care.
“Harmony House will ensure that the remainder of life is made as comfortable as possible, emphasizing dignity and respect for our residents to the end of their natural lives,” said Willemain.
