Dear Friends,

This year, Hope celebrates its 40th year of service to Southwest Flor ida. Throughout these decades, our team has had the honor of providing loving care to thousands of people and their families.we have been invited into people's homes and lives to be part of precious moments. On behalf of everyone at Hope, I thank you for this incredible privilege.

Over these years, Hope has grown from a small hospice serving just a few people a day to a full continuum of services caring for more than 3,000 people every day. Hope has expanded to serve people in five counties and has a staff of more than 1,000 dedicated professionals.and while much has changed, our mission is the same. Hope remains committed to providing comforting care— physically, emotionally, spiritually and practically—for all who need it.

Another fact remains the same.after nearly 30 years as Hope's president and CEO, I still hear daily comments like, “I wish we had known about Hope sooner,” and I am reminded that there is still much work to be done.

In this issue of Wings, we'll share more about Hope's comforting mission and you'll discover helpful programs and services created to prevent needless pain and suffering.you'll also read inspiring stories of unconditional love, peace and dignity.

It is my hope that this issue of Wings will encourage you to further our mission. Consider connecting someone in need of comforting care to Hope's services or inform your community leaders about our programs. Invite us to speak at a neighborhood event, host a fundraiser to benefit Hope or simply make a gift in someone's memory.your help will ensure that Hope is here for another 40 years.