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Hospice of the East Bay Joins with George Mark Children's House

Hospice of the East Bay and George Mark Children’s House signed an agreement on October 8, 2009, that will increase families’ options when caring for children with life-limiting illnesses. Under the agreement, Hospice of the East Bay ’s Comfort for Kids program, which provides home hospice care for children, will partner with George Mark Children’s House to expand and coordinate end-of-life and respite care for Bay Area children and their families.   

“This new partnership gives families more flexibility and options when deciding on care for their children,” said Julie Brewer, executive director at George Mark Children’s House. “The relationship with Comfort for Kids will help both organizations grow and enhance the services our communities have come to expect from us.”

Both non-profit organizations are dedicated to providing medical, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families regardless of a family’s ability to pay.  By working together, Comfort for Kids and George Mark Children’s House will give families the option of caring for their child at the end of his or her life in their own home or at George Mark Children’s House, with the same team of caregivers.  

“This is a concept that our organizations have been discussing even before George Mark opened its doors,” said Cindy Hatton, CEO of Hospice of the East Bay. “In this current economy, it is imperative that we collaborate with other health care providers in order to utilize our resources most efficiently. By joining forces with George Mark Children’s House, we will be able to continue to provide comprehensive end of life care that supports children and families in our communities.”