KILLEEN, Texas – Compassus recently sent a team of 12 volunteers, including social worker Melissa Fellows of Killeen, to assist Living Hope, the company’s sister hospice program in Cape Town, South Africa. The Compassus interdisciplinary team, which included physicians, registered nurses, a hospice aide, social worker, bereavement coordinator, chaplain and corporate colleague, spent a week in Cape Town working side-by-side with Living Hope clinicians.
“Each day was life-changing and filled with many emotions,” said Fellows. “I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the Cape Town community and witness the compassion and dedication behind Living Hope’s efforts.”
Through a partnership started in 2011, Compassus donates monetary aid, medical supplies and health care expertise to support Living Hope’s health care and hospice services in the impoverished township communities of Cape Town. Compassus matches voluntary employee donations to the dollar and last year raised more than $73,000 for the ministry-based nonprofit.
“The positive impact Living Hope has in each community is evident,” continued Fellows. “They are constantly striving to expand their reach to touch more lives and effect change in communities across South Africa, and I am fortunate to have been a part of those efforts.”
Living Hope offers health care services, counseling and education to more than 200,000 underprivileged residents in Cape Town. Its programs focus on improving general health and hospice care, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and economic empowerment. Living Hope provides health care for more than 36,000 South Africans annually through in-home visits, medical clinics and a 22-bed inpatient hospice center.
“Compassus has a calling to deliver compassionate care not only in our local communities but around the world. Serving alongside Living Hope allows us the opportunity to live out this higher purpose,” said Misti Wortham, executive director for Compassus – Killeen. “We are proud of our team and the work they do for the people of South Africa and hope it inspires others to join the effort to advance the well-being of those facing life-limiting illnesses.”
For more information about Compassus, visit the Killeen, Texas page or call (254) 539-1055.
