Nearly 7% of children experience the death of a loved one — and loss at a young age can present lifelong challenges. Sadly, children are often “hidden mourners,” and the impact of this is hard to overestimate. Through its Children's Bereavement program, CaringMatters helps children express their feelings and acquire vitally important coping strategies. Specially trained volunteers guide the Good Grief Club, a bereavement group for children at county public schools; Camp Erin, an annual weekend camp, hosts children ages 8 to 17, supporting them through grief work intertwined with camp activities. Adults dealing with loss or life-threatening illness get help from Volunteer Helping Hands: companionship, respite for caregivers, and help with errands and household tasks. Adult Bereavement Groups enable people experiencing loss to share their stories, learn from one another, and … heal.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: MD-Montgomery County

Age Groups Served: All

Population(s) Served: Not applicable

Schools They Work In: Good Grief Clubs grades K-12 throughout Montgomery County schools

Awards & Recognition

2012 State of Maryland - Governor's Volunteer Service Certificate. Received in appreciation of our volunteer's efforts to ensure the vitality of the community in which they serve.

2012 Hospice Caring was chosen to be included in the "Volunteer Engagement Stars Report" created by The Center for Nonprofit Advancement and Volunteer Frontier. This report showcases 9 nonprofits who utilize volunteers in dynamic was and return dramatic results.

2011 Marie Ferington Social Action Award - Former Maryland State Sen. Rona Kramer presented Jeannette Mendonca, executive director of Hospice Caring, with the Marie Ferington Social Action Award on Oct. 21 at the District 14 Democratic Club Annual Black Tie Awards Dinner.

2011 City of Gaithersburg Mayor, Sidney Katz declared August 2011 Hospice Caring Month in the City of Gaithersburg

2011 Maryland Nonprofits Standards for Excellence - Hospice Caring

2011 City of Gaithersburg - Certificate of Recognition for outstanding service to City of Gaithersburg residents

2011 The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) inducted Hospice Caring trustee and WUSA Channel 9 news anchor and journalist Dr. JC Hayward into the NABJ Hall of Fame

2011 The Rotary Club of Gaithersburg presented a certificate of recognition to Hospice Caring for promoting the Rotary motto Service Above Self

2010 Olender Foundation Award - Dr. J.C. Hayward, Trustee, honored as the recipient of Generous Heart for her work with regional charities, including Hospice Caring

2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy - Hospice Caring, Inc. named as one of the best small non-profit organizations in the Washington, DC area


2008 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award - Penny Gladhill

2007 Athena Award - Lisa McKillop

2007 Certificate of Appreciation - City of Gaithersburg

2007 Proclamation: Hospice Caring, Inc. Day - City of Gaithersburg

2007 Maryland Nonprofits Standards of Excellence - Hospice Caring

2005 Woman of Achievement by the Suburban Maryland Business and Professional Women's Club - Executive Director Lisa McKillop

2005 Catalogue for Philanthropy - named as one of the best small nonprofit organizations in the Washington area.

2005 Greater Olney Civic Association Heritage Award - Lisa McKillop

2005 Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Award - Valerie Taylor/Hospice Caring

2005 Montgomery County Public Schools - Community Service Award

2004 Maryland You are Beautiful Award - Monica Czaplinski

2003 Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Award - Founder Penny Gladhill

Press

Budget (FY2024)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for CaringMatters, Inc is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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