The Power of Partnerships: A Message to Our Community

As we step into 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the extraordinary community that makes Gilchrist what it is—a place of compassion, dignity, and care for those at every stage of life. Thank you for helping us honor the vision of our founding benefactor, Jeanne “Jinny” Gilchrist Vance, whose belief that no one should face the end of life alone continues to inspire our mission. Your support ensures we can fulfill her vision, providing compassionate care to every patient, regardless of financial means.

This past year has highlighted the profound power of partnerships, both within our organization and across the communities we serve. Thanks to your support, the Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute continues to thrive in its second year, expanding its reach into Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties while embarking on an exciting journey into Pennsylvania. Our newly formalized partnership with the Hospice of Washington County and Franklin Hospice is opening doors to extend life-enriching care to even more individuals and families. These partnerships are a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.

Your generosity has also enabled us to make a difference where it’s needed most. Through the Health Equity Resource Communities (HERC) grant, we are enhancing elder in-home health care for residents in Baltimore City and beyond. This includes delivering medical care at home, hosting community health fairs, and addressing critical social needs like transportation, food, and housing. Your trust and contributions allow us to ensure that no one is left behind and that vulnerable populations receive the care they deserve.

At Gilchrist, our mission extends beyond medical care. Programs like our life-enriching services reflect our commitment to supporting individuals and families during life’s most challenging moments. These efforts wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable people who make up our community—our volunteers, donors, and supporters, who generously give their time, resources, and trust.

Thank you all for your continued partnership. You give us the courage to navigate an increasingly complex environment with determination and optimism as we address the challenges of a growing aging population and evolving needs. Together, we will honor the legacy of those who came before us while creating moments of connection, comfort, and hope for those we serve.

Here’s to another year of partnership, courage, and making a difference—together.

With gratitude,
Cathy Hamel
President, Gilchrist