To the Congregations of St. Catherine’s, St Mark Lutheran, and Mendon Church

On October 23, 1996, Benincasa opened its doors in the hamlet of Mendon to provide care for the terminally ill and support for their families. This opening was made possible by the combined efforts of your worship communities and is truly the result of a “community effort.”

In the 25 years that have elapsed since opening, Benincasa has welcomed over 475 residents and their families to the two-bed home, with care provided by a small staff and large team of volunteers. While there is much to celebrate and be thankful for during this 25^th anniversary year, the COVID-19 pandemic has also created a series of challenges that puts the future of this valued and trusted community resource at risk.

As a bit of background, Benincasa was founded as a volunteer-driven organization that provides compassionate end of life care at no cost to the residents or their loved ones. Benincasa operates with no guaranteed source of income; 100% of the funds needed to operate are raised through donations and         fundraising. Benincasa has been blessed by those who have willingly given of themselves in service to others, and by the generous gifts and supportive involvement from those who believe in this mission.

This model of care has worked well for 25 years, enabling Benincasa to provide a nurturing care environment and remain financially stable. In 2020 COVID became a reality and - like so many other organizations - the platform that has worked well for so long became challenged. The pandemic has resulted in Benincasa (and most of the other two bed comfort care homes in the greater Rochester area) having to close its doors for some period of time. While attempts to re-open were made, these efforts have been hindered by a number of factors, to include:
 

• The loss of 7 day a week overnight aide coverage as historically provided (at no cost) by the Rochester area health systems.
• The inability to hire needed staff due to the work force shortage created by the pandemic (and in turn required higher pay rates to compete with the larger health systems).
• The loss of critical volunteers due to family needs and concerns brought on by COVID.

• Volunteering as a caregiver. Twenty-eight four-hour shifts per week need to be filled; scheduling is flexible, and training will be provided. A team of (30) volunteer caregivers is required to enable re-opening, and each one is important! Strict COVID protocols (vaccinations and masking) will be required.
• Spreading the word. Benincasa also needs to hire a Nursing Director, 3-4 on-call nurses for weekend coverage, and a team of 3-4 overnight aides to replace support that has been lost. If you are aware of anyone looking to share their caregiving skills in a warm and caring environment – please let them know about these needs.
• Supporting of our Annual Appeal, a major source of funding that enables our care.

Benincasa is now targeting a Spring, 2022 re-opening – but this goal will only be possible with a team that can provide round-the-clock care for our residents. The Benincasa staff is working diligently to bring a re-opening to reality and any support you can provide would be appreciated beyond measure.

Thank you!
Benincasa Board of Directors
   (Fr. Rob Bourcy, Sheldon Boyce, Steve LaSalle, Kristen Waterstram-Rich, Jim Shoots, Joe Schmitt)

Benincasa is a two-bed home for the terminally ill serving the greater Rochester area and surrounding counties. This home is a place to live life's final days with dignity, comfort and self worth. They are dedicated to ensuring that terminally ill residents receive quality comfort care as well as providing support services for the residents and their loved ones.

Professional and volunteer staff are utilized to provide care giving and assist in the operation of Benincasa. Experience is not necessary. Training is provided. Caregivers work in teams of two covering a four hour shift. Sources of support depend solely on donations, grants and fundraising activities.