Emmanuel Hospice aspires to create a peaceful experience for the dying and their loved ones by providing exemplary spiritual and physical care. St.
Emmanuel Hospice is an interfaith collaboration of four like-minded organizations with over 200 years of combined experience. Ann’s, Clark, Porter Hills and Sunset have joined together to deliver the highest level of holistic care to the dying and their loved ones in the West Michigan community. The foundation of our partnership is rooted in common missions and values, and this has enabled us to share resources, skills and expertise to better serve those in our community with a life-limiting illness or condition. We are united in our aspiration to create a peaceful experience in any setting for the dying and their loved ones by providing exemplary spiritual and physical care. The Emmanuel Hospice team of professionals is committed to excellence in providing you or your loved one with dignified end-of-life comfort care. We customize our care to best meet your needs by bringing our services to the place you consider home; whether it’s your home of many years, a skilled nursing residence, assisted living facility or hospital. The setting may differ, but our caregiving always remains the same.
03/16/2026
This week, we’re continuing our reintroduction by sharing the core values that guide Emmanuel Hospice: Hope, Empathy, Stewardship, and Respect.
These values shape not only how we care, but who we are as a nonprofit, community‑based provider committed to serving our neighbors with compassion and integrity.
03/11/2026
March is Music Therapy Month.
At Emmanuel Hospice, music therapy is one of the complementary services we provide to bring comfort, connection, and calm.
A favorite song can spark memories.
A gentle melody can ease anxiety.
A shared lyric can bring families closer.
More than that, sessions with our Board-Certified Music Therapists can positively affect pain, breathing, heart rate, stress, cognition, and more through evidence-based practices that provide real, measurable relief.
We are thankful for the compassion and talent of our two music therapists on staff who share this gift with patients and families every day.
It is more than music. It is meaningful care, right at the bedside.
March has many things to celebrate - and among them is Social Work!
Lily Tomlin famously said "I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody."
Social workers embody this characteristic of not waiting for someone else to affect change, but turning their ideas and compassion into actions which benefit the people around them. They model service over self, and their expertise is uniquely needed in our organization, and in our world today.
This Social Work Month, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible social workers we have the privilege of working alongside at Emmanuel Hospice.
Every day, they show up with compassion, strength, and selfless dedication to the patients and families we serve, whether from the office or at the bedside. They help people navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives with dignity, empathy, and support. Their ability to listen, advocate, comfort, and guide makes an immeasurable difference.
We am so grateful to be part of a team that cares so deeply and works so tirelessly to support others. Thank you for the heart you bring to this work and for the impact you make every single day, in all your spheres of influence.
Happy Social Work Month! 💙
03/09/2026
Did you know? Many people still think of hospice as a building, but hospice itself is not a place - it's a service!
Beyond whole-person patient care for mind, body, and spirit, Emmanuel Hospice team member Jan Amato likes to remind community members that hospice supports the entire family, providing support to loved ones and helping them understand what to expect every step of the way.
“We are end-of-life experts here to walk the journey with you,”
We'll be reintroducing ourselves this month, and our mission is the cornerstone that guides our daily work. We often say that "no one works at Emmanuel Hospice by accident", and we feel so fortunate to have a dedicated staff who keep our mission close to heart as they serve our patients and families both from the office, and wherever patients are.
To our West Michigan community, thank you for trusting us with your care. We are here for you, and because of you.
03/03/2026
On Friday, another Emmanuel Hospice patient wish was fulfilled!
For Marcia, the drab weather called for an uplifting trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to spend an afternoon in greenery, art, and blooms as she (and the rest of us!) eagerly await spring.
Marcia's social worker, Michele, and her CNA, Cheri, went with her and a family member, and we hear that she's still talking about it!
What appears as a 'small', in-town trip is in reality a chance to touch something growing, be tucked in amongst the orchids, feel wonder, and know that the people around you care and want to celebrate you, just as you are. Marcia, we think you're the BEST!
Thank you to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for their support, and to Bloom Credit Union for their sponsorship of our Patient Wish program.
02/18/2026
February is American Heart Month, and in this month's article, Emmanuel Hospice's Medical Director talks about the toll that a serious cardiac diagnosis can take. Hospice can help relieve the uncertainty and mental burden that comes with the territory.
At Emmanuel Hospice, it's our great honor to be cheerleaders of love and living life to the fullest for those in need of our support and care.
Married for 70 years, Ray and Kay Kretzschmer told us in a special interview that "sharing everything, keeping no secrets, and living your life to please your partner" have been the keys to their deep and lasting connection. In times of struggle or change, Ray says it's important to "take joy wherever you can."
During a month all about celebrating those you love, supporting a loved one with advanced heart disease can feel overwhelming, especially when the progression is unpredictable.
Here are a few meaningful ways to help.
You are not alone, learn more about our specialized cardiac care:
EmmanuelHospice.org/cardiac-care
📞 616.719.0919
02/11/2026
Today is World Day of the Sick, and your support matters more than ever.
As we honor this day, we’re sharing Pat’s story, a reminder of the strength, love, and resilience we see in the families we serve. Her experience shows just how meaningful compassionate care can be during life’s most challenging moments.
Your gift today helps ensure more families receive the comfort, dignity, and support they deserve.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Emmanuel Hospice posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
We are an interfaith collaboration created by St. Ann’s, Clark, Porter Hills and Sunset. With over 200 years of combined experience, we share resources, skills and expertise to deliver care with unparalleled compassion. We are committed to offering the highest level of quality care by being Medicare certified and CHAP accredited. Our local ministry is led by our Board of Directors and driven by our passionate Vision, Mission and Values.
Vision
To shape a community, which embraces death as a meaningful transition through the care of mind, body and spirit.
Mission
The mission of Emmanuel Hospice, an interfaith partnership, is to provide exemplary spiritual and physical care creating a peaceful experience for the dying and their loved ones.
Values
Empathy
We value the unique experience of each individual and their loved ones during this life transition.
Hope
We celebrate death as a beginning, not an end.
Stewardship
We exercise careful and responsible management of the resources, both material and human, entrusted to us.