The Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW) honored Avow founder and volunteer Glenna Hayhoe with its Spirit of Community Award, and the National Hospice and Palliative Organization (NHPCO) honored her with a “Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice-Organizational Support” award.
The Florida award was announced on June 28, but Hayhoe, 92, was unable to attend the ceremony. Instead, Florida Commission on the Status of Women Commissioner Katherine English from Pavese Law Firm presented the award to Hayhoe with two of her daughters and son-in-law in attendance at Avow’s all-staff meeting Sept. 29. The NHPCO award was announced Oct. 4 its the national conference in Arkansas.
“Glenna embodies the spirit of community with her caring hospice heart,” said Jaysen Roa, president and CEO of Avow. “More than forty years ago, she saw a need in our community for hospice care, and she worked to make sure it was provided. She is still volunteering to make sure Avow is meeting the need for compassionate care 40+ years later.”
The recipients of the FCSW Spirit of Community Awards are the embodiment of dedicated community service. Each day these extraordinary Floridians mentor children, advocate for women and families in need, and empower and inspire our youth. Hayhoe received a commemorative plaque and a letter of recognition from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The NHPCO award recognizes volunteers who best reflect the universal concept of volunteerism in its truest sense—serving as an inspiration to others. The honorees have made significant contributions to hospice programs.
Hayhoe built a successful real estate career in Naples in the 1970s, but her true nature is to be a caregiver. At age 52, Glenna became a licensed practical nurse. However, she had even greater ambitions. Through efforts with her late husband, community members and volunteers, Hayhoe founded the non-profit Hospice of Naples in 1983, later to become non-profit Avow Hospice. She still volunteers at Avow, pushing the cookie cart through the hospice house, talking to families and helping out at Avow’s fundraising thrift store.
About Avow
Avow was founded in 1983 as Collier County’s original, nonprofit hospice. Today, Avow’s nonprofit companies provide palliative care consultations for adults facing chronic or serious illness and hospice care and bereavement support services for children and adults. To learn more about the scope of services provided by Avow, call 239-261-4404 or visit avowcares.org.
About the Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW)
The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is a nonpartisan, statutorily created board of 22-member commissioners who work to collaborate with, educate, and celebrate Florida women and girls. The Commission does so through annual events and programs including the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame and Spirit of Community Awards. The Commission acts as a resource for lawmakers, businesses, and residents, so they have a better understanding of the important issues facing women, and by extension all Floridians. Additional Spirit of Community Award information is available on the Commission website at fcsw.net.
About the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
NHPCO provides its members with the essential tools they need to stay current with leading practices, understand policy changes, and improve their quality of care. With resources that address the challenges providers navigate daily, NHPCO offers a wealth of expert knowledge and step-by-step solutions to fill the gaps. For information, visit nhpco.org.
