Blog

Patient Story, Bereavement Retreat, More

Our 2024 summer newsletter features an inspiring patient story, a brand-new bereavement retreat, news on fundraising, and more. We'd like to invite you to download this edition. Download the 2024 Summer Newsletter...

Faith With Raised Hands

“I want to help others,” says Gary Greenfield. As a patient at Serenity Home living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Gary’s challenges would be nearly impossible for most of us to appreciate. ALS has left Gary non-verbal, unable to speak out loud. Still, Gary’s ability to communicate goes beyond the ...read more

Volunteer Appreciation

Volunteers help Serenity thrive in helping, reaching, and serving those in need. The week of April 21, 2024, we uplift and highlight our many volunteers that do incredible work! Angel Treasures (resale shops) The Serenity Shed (bereavement center) Veteran Volunteers Administrative Volunteers Book Club Gatherer Group Fundraising Music Direct Patient Care THANK YOU!!! Quotes From Our Volunteers: "Volunteering at Angel Treasures I (Mt. ...read more

Welcome Dr. Plescia!

At Serenity Hospice and Home, we are delighted to introduce our new Medical Director, Dr. John Plescia. A familiar name in the Mt. Morris-Oregon area, Dr. Plescia has been a beacon of compassionate care since joining our team in the fall of 2023. His professional journey has seen him in ...read more

40 Years of Service!

Celebrate 40 years of hospice service throughout the communities that Serenity serves! We invite you to read Serenity's Community Guide and annual report to learn more about the caring and important services of Serenity Hospice & Home. Click here to view the Community Guide online... Featuring: Message from CEO, Lynn Knodle. Awards and ...read more

Serenity Helps Couple Renew Vows

After more than 50 years of marriage, Charles and Marianne Svihlik still look at each other with love. Marianne is a cancer survivor and Charles is a current patient with Serenity Hospice. “Their daughter called me and asked if I would conduct a marriage vow renewal ceremony,” said Serenity Chaplain ...read more

Darline Turns 100!

Serenity Hospice patient, Darline Smith, celebrated her 100th birthday on July 26, 2018  in the Serenity Home in Oregon, IL.  She was surrounded by friends, family and staff.   Happy Birthday Darline!

Serenity’s Dr. K Honored with Award

Serenity Dr. Named YWCA Woman of Achievement Dr. Juliette Kalweit,  a doctor for Serenity Hospice and Home and also at Swedish American hospital, was recently named a Woman of Achievement at the YWCA Leadership Luncheon in Rockford.  Dr. Kalweit, exemplifies excellence, commitment to success and is a role model for future ...read more

The Quilts of Serenity

               There’s an old proverb that says, “One who sleeps under a quilt is comforted by love.” The many quilts at Serenity Hospice and Home were all made with love and bring warmth and comfort to the patients and their families. “The quilts were one of the first things I noticed ...read more

Mr. Woodin

Serenity patient Gerald Woodin loved his basement. He had a workshop there and the space held some wonderful memories. When Serenity caregivers Tiffany and Stephanie helped him down those stairs for the last time they were amazed to find not only a workshop, but a bar and dance floor as ...read more