RECENT NEWS

 

Golden Dog Adventure Co. Partners with Cornerstone VNA to Support Pet Peace of Mind Program

 

A Community-Driven Effort to Support Hospice Patients and Their Animal Companions

 

ROCHESTER, NH — Golden Dog Adventure Co. and Cornerstone VNA are proud to announce a partnership to raise awareness and funding for the Pet Peace of Mind® (PPOM) program at Cornerstone VNA, a compassionate initiative that ensures hospice patients can keep their beloved pets by their side during end-of-life care.

 

Through this collaboration, Golden Dog Adventure Co. will leverage its community of dog lovers to support Cornerstone VNA’s PPOM program through volunteer recruitment, awareness campaigns, and fundraising efforts. The synergy between the two organizations—both rooted in compassion, community, and the human-animal bond—creates a powerful alliance to care for people and their pets during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.

 

“Pets are family, especially during difficult times,” said Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA. “As a Pet Peace of Mind partner since 2016, we’re able to provide practical support to patients who want to keep their pets close. Adding a new partnership with Golden Dog Adventure Co. gives us another wonderful way to engage pet lovers and recruit the volunteers we need to expand our services across New Hampshire and Maine.”

 

The partnership includes volunteer recruitment to help with pet walking, feeding, and rehoming support, as well as targeted campaigns during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in November. Golden Dog Adventure Co. will also provide promotional support through events and social media outreach, encouraging its members to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

 

“Our community is passionate about pets and the people who love them,” said Traci Bisson, Owner and Founder of Golden Dog Adventure Co. “We’re honored to support Cornerstone VNA’s mission. Together, we can give peace of mind to patients and ensure their pets continue to receive the love and care they deserve.”

 

The partnership reflects a growing recognition of how pets play an essential role in emotional and physical wellbeing, especially during hospice care. With shared values and complementary strengths, Cornerstone VNA and Golden Dog Adventure Co. are creating a future where no patient has to choose between their health and their pet.

 

For more information or to volunteer, visit: https://cornerstonevna.org/ppom-vol

 

To learn more about Golden Dog Adventure Co., visit:https://goldendognh.com.

 

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About Cornerstone VNA:

Cornerstone VNA currently serves towns in Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

 

About Pet Peace of Mind®:

Pet Peace of Mind is a national program that helps care for the pets of hospice and home healthcare patients, including helping orphaned pets find a loving new home when necessary.  Pet Peace of Mind provides their program partners, such as Cornerstone VNA, with a turnkey solution to train local volunteers to help patients with their pet care needs and assist with foster and adoption.

 

About Golden Dog Adventure Co.:

Golden Dog Adventure Co., based in Barrington, NH, partners with pet professionals, local businesses, and nonprofits to create safe, inclusive, and enriching experiences for dogs and their people. Through outdoor adventures, training programs, and wellness events, the organization fosters strong human-canine bonds while building community connections. As part of its mission, Golden Dog works to raise awareness of its charitable partners’ vital work and generate financial support for their programs. Its collaboration with organizations like Cornerstone VNA’s Pet Peace of Mind program reflects a deep commitment to giving back and supporting those who care for animals—and the people who love them. To learn more, visit https://GoldenDogNH.com or call (603) 815-2453.

Cornerstone VNA Receives Recovery Friendly Workplace Designation

 

Rochester, NH – On April 15^th, 2025, Cornerstone VNA was designated as a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW). According to the RFW website, “Led by Governor Chris Sununu, New Hampshire’s ‘Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative’ promotes individual wellness for Granite Staters by empowering workplaces to provide support for people recovering from substance use disorder. The Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative gives business owners the resources and support they need to foster a supportive environment that encourages the success of their employees in recovery.”

 

Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs) support their communities by recognizing recovery from substance use disorder as a strength and by being willing to work intentionally with people in recovery.  RFWs encourage a healthy and safe environment where employers, employees, and communities can collaborate to create positive change and eliminate barriers for those impacted by addiction.

 

As a designated RFW, Cornerstone VNA is committed to fostering a safe and recovery friendly environment, engaging employees in addiction and behavioral health education and prevention, retaining healthy and productive employees, and promoting prevention and recovery in local communities. As a participant in this important initiative, Cornerstone VNA will receive ongoing support, training and education from Regional Public Health Networks, Recovery Support Organizations, and Recovery Friendly Advisors.

 

Cornerstone VNA President/CEO, Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, shares, “Being recognized as a Recovery Friendly Workplace affirms our commitment to cultivating a culture of compassion, support, and second chances. This designation reflects our belief that recovery strengthens not only individuals, but entire communities—and we are proud to support those on their journey to wellness.”

 

According to Katie Michaud, MS, OTR/L, Community Care Director, “I am very proud to participate in the State of New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, which adds to the depth of the Mental Health Team at Cornerstone VNA. We are also designated as the “Place” by the Dover Mental Health Alliance, which recognizes that we are a safe and judgment-free space for employees, colleagues, and patients.”

 

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

Barrington Memorial Day Parade is on Friday, May 30th. Starts at 6:00 PM from the Public Safety Building on Route 9 and proceeds to the Pine Grove Cemetery and will be followed by a short memorial ceremony. Everyone is invited. Hosted by Barrington’s American Legion Post 114.

 

Cornerstone VNA Hospice Achieves 4-Star Family Caregiver Satisfaction Rating

 

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA, a trusted local nonprofit home health and hospice provider, is pleased to share that the agency’s Hospice Care program has achieved a 4-star rating for family caregiver satisfaction by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The survey asks family members or friends about the patient’s hospice care and if they would recommend that hospice to someone else. The survey rating can be found on the Medicare.gov website, which allows patients and families to research local hospice providers based on family satisfaction.

 

Cornerstone VNA is one of four hospice agencies in the Seacoast region that have achieved a 4 or 5-star family satisfaction rating. Hospice Care Director Lisa Nichols, RN, MSN, CCM, shares, “We have such a special team at Cornerstone VNA, and I am very proud of their commitment to ensuring the best end-of-life care and support for patients and their families.” Quality and Education Director Lisa Romanovitz, RN, BSN, adds, “This is an amazing achievement for the Hospice Care Team! They have worked so hard to improve in the area of family experience, and it’s exciting to see the results of their incredible efforts.”

 

An important contributor to a high family caregiver satisfaction rating is the Advanced Hospice and Palliative Care training that the Cornerstone VNA clinicians receive, and the enhanced volunteer programs and services that are provided to best support the needs of patients and family members. Specifically, hospice-trained volunteers can sit vigil with patients, provide caregiver respite, and support the pets of patients through a special Pet Peace of Mind Program. Further, Cornerstone VNA is a Level 5 We Honor Veterans program, which recognizes the unique needs of veterans at the end of life.  Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, President/CEO, shares, “A 4-star family caregiver satisfaction rating is very exciting, and I know we will continue to improve as we work to implement new ideas to further support our family caregivers.”

 

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.

 

This event has been rescheduled to May 14th.

Writing Reviews with Bay Equity at the Barrington Chamber offices on April 30th from 12 to 1:30 pm. There will be a brief discussion and instruction about online reviews. Then practice writing reviews for each other. Bring your own lunch. Limited space. RSVP to Beth at (603) 507-1465.

New and Again Thrift Store for Charity invites you to come celebrate our 3^rd Anniversary on Friday May 9^th, all day. Refreshments and This Day Only “Special Sales” 585 Calef Highway.

May 3rd, Camp Fireside Fundraising Yard Sale 8a.m.-2p.m. Camp Fireside is hosting a Yard Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, May 3rd to raise money for camper scholarships. 86 Pond Hill Rd, Barrington.