HCN News & Notes

Harmony House Receives $35,000 Grant from the Beveridge Family Foundation

CHICOPEE — The Beveridge Family Foundation has awarded a $35,000 grant to Harmony House of Western Massachusetts to be used toward the ongoing renovation of its new home for the terminally ill, located in Chicopee.

Harmony House is currently refurbishing a house in the Aldenville section of Chicopee, which, when completed, will be a five-bedroom home offering compassionate care for the terminally ill, specifically those who have limited resources for special care in the final stages of life. A temporary home in Chicopee, which was in operation for two years and helped people transition from life to death in a dignified manner, was recently temporarily closed so that all efforts could be devoted to the renovation of the new home.

Dozens of volunteers and local companies are donating talent and supplies to complete the home, which was scheduled to open this spring. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the completion and opening have been delayed, but work continues safely and conscientiously.

The mission of the Beveridge Family Foundation is to preserve and enhance quality of life by embracing and perpetuating Frank Stanley Beveridge’s philanthropic vision through grant-making incentives in support of programs in youth development, health, education, religion, art, and environment, primarily in Hampden and Hampshire counties. Beveridge was the founder of Stanley Home Products in Westfield.

Harmony House is staffed mainly by volunteers of all kinds — nurses, CNAs, caregivers, companions, and more — and is a nonprofit organization, totally privately funded through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Contributions are gratefully accepted at all times. For more information, visit www.harmonyhousewma.