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Republican Women's Association Volunteered Over 120 Hours at Hope Lodge Hospice

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 10:47 GMT by NOLA.com

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Republican Women Bring Compassion to Hope Lodge Hospice: A Legacy of Service and Community Spirit

In the heart of New Orleans’ Jefferson Parish, the doors of Hope Lodge, a leading hospice care provider, opened to a group of devoted volunteers on Thursday, October 12, 2023. The volunteers, members of the local chapter of the Republican Women’s Association, arrived with a simple yet profound mission: to offer comfort, support, and a listening ear to patients in the final chapters of their lives. Over the course of the event, the women spent more than 120 volunteer hours, working side‑by‑side with hospice staff to create a warm, dignified environment for patients and families alike.

A Tradition of Service

The Republican Women’s Association of New Orleans has a long-standing reputation for civic engagement and volunteerism. Since its founding in 1975, the organization has mobilized thousands of women for a range of causes—from educational scholarships to disaster relief. In a statement released at the event, the association’s president, Linda Hayes, emphasized the unique nature of their work at Hope Lodge: “Hospice care is about compassion and respect. It’s a chance for us to give back to our community in a very tangible way.”

The group’s commitment to service is rooted in a philosophy that transcends politics. Hayes, who has served on the association’s board for over a decade, noted that “the values that guide our organization—honesty, integrity, and community—are exactly what hospice care requires.” She added that the volunteer group had been collaborating with Hope Lodge for almost twenty years, making this event part of an ongoing partnership.

Inside Hope Lodge

Hope Lodge, founded in 1992, is a 25-bed hospice facility located on 5200 North Carrollton Avenue. It offers comprehensive palliative care services for patients with terminal illnesses, as well as bereavement support for families. The hospice’s mission, “to provide comfort and dignity to patients and their loved ones,” is driven by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.

During the volunteer session, the Republican Women’s group assisted in a variety of tasks. Some helped prepare meal trays for patients, ensuring that each plate was both nutritious and appealing. Others assisted with housekeeping duties, including dusting, vacuuming, and maintaining a calm atmosphere. A number of volunteers also spent time in the hospice’s common area, chatting with patients, offering companionship, and lending a listening ear to those in distress. For families dealing with grief, the volunteers offered support in the waiting area, providing refreshments and a quiet place to decompress.

“Volunteers are often the most visible part of hospice care,” explained Hope Lodge’s nursing director, Dr. Samuel Ortiz. “They give patients the human touch that medicine alone can’t provide. That’s why we’re so grateful for partners like the Republican Women’s Association.”

Highlighting the Human Touch

One of the most touching moments of the day came when 65‑year‑old volunteer Janet Miller, a former schoolteacher, spoke with a patient who had been in hospice for two months. Miller’s gentle voice and willingness to listen made the conversation a moment of genuine solace for the patient. “I’ve seen the power of a simple conversation,” Miller shared with the association’s group. “It reminds me that even in the darkest times, we’re not alone.”

In another segment, the volunteers worked alongside hospice social workers to distribute care packages to families of patients who had passed away. Each package contained personalized letters, a comforting mug, and a small bouquet of flowers—an act that the association’s members say “encapsulates our mission to give back, even in death.”

The Ripple Effect

The impact of volunteerism extends far beyond the immediate relief provided to patients and families. For the Republican Women’s Association, the partnership with Hope Lodge serves as a practical demonstration of the organization’s core values. “We are not just talking about service; we are doing it,” said Hayes. “Our volunteers learn the importance of empathy, teamwork, and resilience, skills that they carry back into their own communities.”

Moreover, the collaboration between the association and Hope Lodge has opened avenues for future joint initiatives. The two groups have already discussed plans to host a fundraising gala next spring, aimed at supporting the hospice’s expansion of its counseling services. According to Ortiz, “The enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers have inspired us to consider new ways to grow and improve our services.”

A Broader Context

The article linking to the Republican Women’s Association’s website highlighted that the organization is affiliated with the national Republican Women’s Foundation, a body that encourages civic engagement across the United States. Through its local chapters, the foundation provides training and leadership development, while also facilitating volunteer opportunities with nonprofits.

In addition to the Hope Lodge partnership, the association has been involved in other community projects, such as sponsoring scholarships for high school students in Jefferson Parish and providing relief supplies during Hurricane Ida’s aftermath. Their recent engagement with a local food bank was also mentioned, underscoring the group’s continued commitment to addressing basic needs within the community.

Closing Thoughts

The day the Republican Women’s Association turned up at Hope Lodge serves as a testament to the power of volunteerism to heal, support, and bind communities together. In an era where divisions often dominate headlines, moments of shared compassion—like those created at Hope Lodge—remind us of the enduring human capacity to come together for the common good. As the association’s members dispersed after a full day of service, their faces bore the marks of satisfaction and humility—a reminder that the true measure of leadership is not in titles or accolades, but in the everyday acts of kindness that echo through a city and beyond.