HISTORY
Former in-home hospice RN Holly Klein routinely witnessed patients falling through the gaps of the healthcare system – and even larger gaps created for the underprivileged and under-insured while working in hospice management. Motivated by the belief that all individuals deserve a death with dignity, Klein and Co-Founders Cindy and Nicholas Browning founded Grace House Akron, Inc. as a new not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 2017.
The Grace House team spent the next couple of years developing the organization and its unique service model, to provide an accepting, caring environment for individuals with terminal illnesses who would otherwise spend their days without a caregiver (or an able caregiver) or in undesirable conditions.
In 2019 a parcel of land in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood was donated by Summa Health, providing the future site for our comfort care home. Construction began in October of 2021 and concluded in August 2022. We are accepting residents.
MISSION & VISION
The mission of Grace House Akron is to provide a loving home for indigent, homeless and abandoned individuals at the end of life. The home provides safe shelter, care with dignity and compassion, and a nurturing environment for individuals with terminal illnesses.
Our vision is to offer access to compassionate care and comfort at end of life for all individuals in the greater Akron area.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Grace House serves terminally ill individuals who are:
- enrolled in a hospice program
- without an able caregiver, alone or unable to afford a private caregiver
- with limited financial resources
We will provide 24/7 caregiving and access to basic needs of food, water and shelter from specially trained staff and volunteers.
All Grace House services are free-of-charge, allowing individuals to pass peacefully without financial barriers to care. We offer:
- pet therapy
- music and art therapy
- therapeutic massage
- spiritual care
- vigil companions
- self-care for families and staff
Experiential Learning Program:
Grace House is partnering with educational, healthcare and hospice experts and agencies to serve area students with important hands-on learning opportunities in hospice and palliative care fields.
This hands-on program will help future healthcare professionals understand how to meet the needs of underserved, terminally ill individuals, in an environment that values and promotes listening, respect and human dignity. Medical, nursing and health science students will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of dialogue and “being present” during end-of-life care.
GUIDING VALUES
- Compassion
- Dignity of individual
- Acceptance
- Excellence
- Celebration of life
ANNUAL REPORTS
OUR LEADERSHIP AND TEAM
The Grace House leadership team and staff comprises community leaders and experts in many fields, including hospice and healthcare. We are grateful for their collective knowledge and passion.