Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey Acquires Journey Hospice
Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ) has announced the acquisition of Journey Hospice, a South-Jersey based provider of hospice care services. Effective February 1, 2018, LSMNJ will oversee Journey Hospice business operations which currently serve Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties in New Jersey.
LSMNJ, established in 1904, is a mission-driven, grace-filled, not-for-profit organization committed to serving those in New Jersey who hurt, who are in need, or who have limited choices. LSMNJ provides social care services that address critical human care and housing needs in 19 locations across the state. LSMNJ’s diverse programs are open to all, regardless of religious affiliation or background, and include affordable housing, community outreach services, community residential services, home care, adoption, immigration, and senior healthcare and retirement living.
Journey Hospice was founded in 2015 by Nora Giurici, RN, a dedicated hospice nurse whose passion and life work was to minister to individuals and their loved ones at a critical time. Ms. Giurici took extra care to slowly build the program throughout the South Jersey area, explaining that most of the families they care for came to them based on referrals from friends and colleagues.
Ms. Giurici will remain on staff during the transition and is pleased to see the organization she nourished from the ground up gain such a strong partner. “LSMNJ is an excellent organization with a high-quality, patient-centered focus and a strong presence throughout New Jersey,” she says. “They offer our program a stronger foundation and together we will provide the best quality hospice care to each of our patients.”
“We sought to find the best hospice program in New Jersey so that we could bring this vital program to those we serve,” says LSMNJ President and CEO Colleen P. Frankenfield. “Immediately, we felt Journey Hospice, whose mission aligns perfectly with ours, and their team of healthcare professionals shared the same dedication and compassion as our organization. We were so impressed with the quality of personalized care they provide and their commitment to helping patients and families through a challenging time in their lives.”
LSMNJ will maintain the same clinical and support staff at Journey Hospice, including its Executive Director, Tara Pietrowitz. “Tara has a great deal of experience with hospice care and has built strong community partnerships for Journey Hospice,” continues Frankenfield. “Her incredible insight and passion for the program will help us as we plan to expand the program into other counties within the state.”
Journey Hospice will also maintain its current location at 6712 Washington Avenue, Suite 201, Egg Harbor Township, NJ. For more information on Journey Hospice, visit www.journeyhospicenj.com or call (609) 380-4302.