Hospice News

Innovative Community Hospice Partnership
Garners National Award

The Covenant of Churches, a community outreach program developed by Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center (SBHPCC) along with clergy from the greater Newark area, is one of ten hospice programs nationwide to be recognized by the American Hospital Association (AHA) and other national organizations for innovation in providing end-of-life care.

At a recent ceremony held at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, Rick Pollack, Executive Vice President of the AHA presented the Covenant of Churches with a Circle of Life Citation of Honor, describing the program as “a model of inspiration for hospices across the country.”

A collaborative effort between SBHPCC and clergy throughout Newark, Irvington and East Orange, the Covenant of Churches program is designed to create awareness of and access to hospice services for inner city residents. Lorraine Sciara, Executive Director of SBHPCC, explains, “In this culture loss is a way of life, and the rampant mistrust and cynicism people experience are often bigger than the desire to obtain medical and bereavement assistance.”

Funded through a grant from The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, the Covenant of Churches conducts outreach by:

• Training hospice volunteers from participating churches who provide support and assistance to patients and families coping with advanced illness.

• Presenting informational programs on hospice during church services.

• Providing access to social work services through a per diem social worker hired to meet with grieving family members

• Holding support groups for parents and children; these groups are especially helpful for children dealing with multiple losses.

• Participating in an annual Memorial Service with songs, music and readings.

During the awards presentation, Rev. Dr. W.H. Tolbert, Pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Newark, drew cheers from the audience as he spoke of the importance of the church being actively involved in the community “The church still doesn’t understand that it has to leave its walls…Unless you’re part of the community you’re not doing anything…All of us need to light up and do whatever helps humanity outside the church walls.”

Rev. Dr. Eric Beckham, M.Div., Pastor of Clear View Baptist Church in Newark and a member of the SBHPCC Board of Trustees, said that the collaboration gives churches and community members the opportunity to be “on the front line, dealing with people wherever they are while they’re dealing with the crisis of their lives.”

The program has had measurable results. Ms. Sciara explains, “When we began the Covenant of Churches, only 12% of the population we served was African American. Today African Americans comprise 20% of our patients, as compared with the national average of 8%.”

She says the program continues to grow as member churches make financial donations and host fundraising events to benefit the project, and that plans are underway for expansion into the Hispanic community.

Mamie Bridgeforth, Council Member for the City of Newark, summed up the success of the unique collaboration, “When it’s time to go home, you make it a time of joy and happiness. You give love and hope from your hearts…You have not missed the mark.”

For more information on hospice services, volunteer opportunities and fundraising events, call (973) 322-4800.

Standing with Mr. Pollack are (l. to r.) Rev. Dr. W.H. Tolbert, pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Newark; Mamie Bridgeforth, Council Member for the City of Newark; Fr. James McConnell, SMA, Pastor of Queen of Angels Church in Newark; Lorraine Sciara, Executive Director of SBHPCC; Rev. Eric Beckham, N.Div., Pastor of Clear View Baptist Church in Newark; and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Garland, Chaplain of SBHPCC.

National Award for Hospice Innovations Presented to
“Covenant of Churches”

Describing the Covenant of Churches as “a model of inspiration for hospices across the country,” Rick Pollack, Executive Vice President of the American Hospital Association, (fourth from left), presented a Circle of Life Citation of Honor to organization representatives for their innovative approach to end-of-life care.

The Covenant of Churches is a community outreach program developed by Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center (SBHPCC) along with clergy from the greater Newark area to create awareness of and access to hospice and bereavement services for inner city residents.

As a result of the program, African Americans comprise 20% of the patients served at SBHPCC, as compared with the national average of 8%.

For more information on hospice services, volunteer opportunities and fundraising events, call (973) 322-4800.

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