Hospice of North Idaho

08/30/2025

"Today is National Grief Awareness Day. For those of us living with deep grief, this awareness is not a date on a calendar—it is in every moment of our lives. We are already intimately aware of our pain like a stitch in our side or the thumping of a dull headache.

As author C.S. Lewis so truthfully states in his book A Grief Observed, “her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.”

Grief not something that we can possibly “get over”. It wraps around us like a heavy blanket we did not put on-- but carry every day as the world keeps inexplicably turning around us."

Read more here: https://hospiceofnorthidaho.org/national-grief-awareness-day/

08/29/2025

⛺☀️This past June, Hospice of North Idaho hosted Camp Kaniksu, our annual grief camp for children and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Camp Kaniksu is more than just a weekend at camp, it’s a safe and supportive place where young hearts can find connection, healing, and hope. Through activities, reflection, and the comfort of peers who understand, campers discover that they are not alone in their grief journey.

We’re grateful to share highlights from this deeply meaningful weekend at Camp Lutherhaven through a new video that captures the spirit, laughter, memories, and healing moments of camp.

A heartfelt thank you to Northwest Camera Works LLC for the incredible dedication and artistry you brought to this project. Your time, compassion, and skill in filming and editing made it possible for us to share the impact of Camp Kaniksu with our community. We are truly grateful you were part of this special weekend.

💙 Watch the video and see the healing power of Camp Kaniksu in action:

Camp Kaniksu is a 3 day, 1 overnight, grief camp experience, youth ages 6-16, are invited into a safe and supportive environment where they will be surrounde...

08/28/2025

We are honored to welcome a very special piece of history to the Schneidmiller House. 💜

Recently, our CNA, Terri, donated her family’s writing desk, an heirloom passed through three generations. Originally gifted to her grandfather by a banker in San Francisco, the desk has traveled through time, used by her grandfather during his career with the State Department, then by her father throughout his working life, passed on to her brother, then to Terri herself.

Now, this treasured desk has found its permanent home in our Meditation Room, where it will serve as a quiet space for patients, families, and visitors to write letters, journal, or simply reflect. This piece of furniture carries with it both history and heart.

Thank you, Terri, for sharing this meaningful gift with our community. Your family’s legacy will continue to support others in moments of comfort, reflection, and connection. 💙

08/27/2025

Thank you Coeur d'Alene Press!

"Before you say, “It’s only a thrift store, what’s the big deal?” consider this: Not only can people find good deals there, and it’s a great place to volunteer, but most importantly, proceeds fund charitable hospice care." 💙

Inflation and increasing costs have affected everyone, but they have hit nonprofits particularly hard. To provide money for the people they are trying to help, they can’t afford to pay high rent costs. Nonprofits need a good deal on rental space and for the most part they get it. The Post Falls Ho...

08/25/2025

🌺☀️ Endless Summer Volunteer Appreciation Party 🌊🌴

Last Thursday, we had the joy of celebrating our incredible volunteers at our Endless Summer–themed appreciation party! From surfing vibes to tropical touches, it was the perfect way to honor the heart of Hospice of North Idaho. 💙

A huge thank you to our Volunteer Coordinator, Skip, and our Director of Social Services, Sonja, for putting together such a memorable event, staff and volunteers for helping with setup and decorating and to our Executive Director, Eric Ladwig, for serving up a delicious BBQ!
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This year, each volunteer was recognized with milestone pins for their years of service. We are especially honored to celebrate Brenda Wild, who has dedicated an amazing 32 years to HONI. 🌟

We are grateful beyond words for every one of our volunteers. You make our mission possible every single day!

08/22/2025

As an official announcement to the public, our Hospice Thrift Store - Post Falls will be closing this Fall.

“After 37 years in business, The Hospice of North Idaho thrift store will close the Seltice Way location for good this fall. Nov. 8 is the final day.”

“A store like this is only able to generate a certain amount of revenue to support our charitable care, it’s not just a store that makes money,” Ladwig said. “Our true mission, which is the hospice work that we do.”

Read more from the Coeur d'Alene Press:

The Hospice of North Idaho thrift store will close the Seltice Way location for good this fall.

08/21/2025

We’re so excited to celebrate our incredible volunteers tonight at this year’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party! 💙

The theme this year is “Endless Summer,” a chance to soak up the sunshine, laughter, and gratitude for the many ways our volunteers make a difference all year long. 🌊🏄🌊🏄‍♀️

We can’t wait to honor the heart of Hospice of North Idaho- OUR VOLUNTEERS! 🌞🕶️

08/20/2025

Hospice of North Idaho was honored to join the celebration at Guardian Angel Homes - Post Falls Luau today! 🌺🌴

Our Hospice Nurse, Karen, and Hospice Liaison, Nick, were grateful to be part of such a joyful gathering filled with laughter, music, and meaningful connections. A heartfelt thank you to Guardian Angel for welcoming us. You created a beautiful experience for staff, residents, and guests alike. 💜

08/19/2025

"Our family cannot say enough about the incredible care and compassion we received from Hospice of North Idaho. From the very first phone call, we felt supported and understood. Our mom's care team made us feel like we were part of a family. The team also cared deeply for us, answering questions, listening, and guiding us through one of the most difficult times of our lives. The grief support services have also been a blessing, helping us find comfort after our loss.

We are forever grateful to this organization for the comfort they brought to our family when we needed it most." 💙

08/18/2025

📚Today we officially cut the ribbon of our new Free Grief Support Loaning Library—handmade by our volunteer and grief support facilitator, David.

David built and dedicated this library in honor of his wife, Annette, who passed away three years ago from ovarian cancer. Annette was passionate about nature, adventure, learning, and reading, and her legacy now lives on through this space of comfort and community. 📖

The library is located at our Community Services Building and offers free grief support books and resources for anyone who may need them. We invite you to stop by, borrow a book, and know that you are not alone on the journey through grief. 💙

08/15/2025

On behalf of Hospice of North Idaho, our Bereavement Coordinator Abigail was honored to accept a donation that will help cover a large portion of the costs for our annual Camp Kaniksu kids’ grief camp. 🏕️

Because of donations like this, grieving youth in our community can attend camp and receive much-needed grief support completely free of charge.

A big congrats to the many local nonprofits who were also awarded for the amazing work in our area. A special thank you to the 3Cs for believing in the healing power of community. 💙✨