The VNA of Middlesex-East has, since 1902, provided the highest quality hospice and home care to patients and their families in 28 Greater Boston communities, regardless of their ability to pay. Its services include skilled nursing, rehabilitation, disease management, nutritional counseling, and so much more — all with an emphasis on compassion. To meet the growing demand for hospice care, VNA successfully raised over $1 million to open, in November 2003, the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, a nine-bed facility in Reading, which has since cared for hundreds of patients and families. It has also established a Community Risk Assessment program, where seniors are evaluated by clinicians, free of charge, and then connected with services to help them retain their independence. On the other end of the age spectrum, its Children’s Bereavement Program provides one-on-one counseling to children who have lost a family member. VNA’s programs are highly-rated and have met national standards, earning them a three-year accreditation from the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. So much good work merits your support. Money raised goes to patient care for those who do not have adequate insurance to cover their home care services.