JULY 2026
Bluegrass Care Navigators Welcomes New President
After 12 years of leading Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) as President & CEO, Liz Fowler has determined it is time to move towards retirement. Liz shared her news with the Board of Directors last year, and together, they have conducted a nation-wide search for BCN’s next President.
BCN ‘s Board of Director is pleased to welcome Jamie Moen as the organization’s next president, effective June 15. As we begin this new chapter, we remain committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families across Kentucky.
“We are honored to welcome Jamie Moen as the next president of Bluegrass Care Navigators,” shares Liz Fowler. “Jamie’s track record of operational excellence, strategic growth, and mission centered leadership makes her uniquely qualified to guide our organization into its next chapter.”
Jamie is a nationally respected leader in post-acute and serious illness care, with more than 20 years of experience across hospice, palliative care, home health and complex healthcare operations. Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Agrace, a nonprofit healthcare organization headquartered in Madison, Wis., where she led a team of more than 700 employees, serving nearly 2,000 patients each day.
“I am deeply honored to lead Bluegrass Care Navigators, an organization with such a powerful legacy of compassion and innovation,” Jamie said.
“I look forward to partnering with the exceptional teams, volunteers, donors and community partners who make this mission possible. Together, we will continue expanding access to high quality care for patients and families across Kentucky.”
Over the coming months, Jamie will work closely with retiring President Liz Fowler to ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition.
“Transitions can bring change, but they also bring opportunity,” Liz said. “As I reflect on my 12 years with BCN and the nearly 50-year legacy that began with Gretchen Brown, I am confident in the strong foundation we’ve built and in Jamie’s leadership to carry our mission forward.”
Together, they will spend time across our service areas, meeting with team members, donors, and community partners and listening to the needs of the communities we are honored to serve.
“Our donors are an essential part of our care team,” Jamie said. “Because of their generosity, we’re able to not only sustain our expert clinical care, but we can offer additional services to bring comfort and dignity to our patients and their families. Together, we can meet people with the care they need, exactly when they need it.”
We look forward to introducing Jamie to you in the weeks ahead and are confident you will find her deeply committed to the people and mission of Bluegrass Care Navigators.
Radio Days: Community Voices, Shared Impact
This summer, Bluegrass Care Navigators connects with communities across Kentucky through our annual Radio Days, sharing powerful stories, raising awareness about hospice and grief care, and inviting listeners to support care close to home.
In June, listeners to Q95 FM heard how BCN serves Floyd, Magoffin, and Pike counties and how generosity helps ensure no one is turned away from hospice care. Voices from across the region shared what hospice, grief services and community partnership look like in action. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Community Trust Bank, our Pikevillearea Radio Day once again reflected the power of neighbors showing up for one another through compassion and care.
Upcoming Radio Days:
London | July 14, 2026 | WANV 96.7 FM
Hazard | August 4, 2026 | WSGS 101.1 FM
We look forward to sharing more meaningful stories, connecting with local partners, and inviting the communities surrounding London and Hazard to join us in supporting compassionate hospice and grief services close to home.
Extending Access to
All-Inclusive Care with PACE Alternative Care Site in Frankfort
Bluegrass Care Navigators is proud to expand access to Bluegrass PACE Care with the opening of a new PACE Alternative Care Site in Frankfort, celebrated with a ribbon cutting and open house on May 14. As Kentucky’s first provider of the Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), BCN continues to grow its innovative model that helps adults age 55 and older with complex health needs live safely at home.
“Bluegrass PACE Care has improved my quality of life by helping me get out of the house and socialize,” Barbara Harris, current PACE participant at the Lexington location, said. “I feel younger, and I haven’t had this much get up and go in quite a few years.”
With locations now in both Lexington and Frankfort, Bluegrass PACE Care brings together a dedicated care team, transportation, health services, and opportunities for connection, helping participants stay active, supported, and engaged in their communities.
Bluegrass PACE Care is now enrolling new participants in Frankfort and Lexington. To schedule a free consultation, learn about eligibility, tour a PACE location, or meet the care team, call 859.687.9410, toll free at 866.422.6722 (TTY 800.648.6056), or visit bgcarenav.org/PACE
Yellin’ Helen Bowl-A-Thon Celebrates Legacy and Care
The lanes were buzzing with energy and purpose at this year’s Yellin’ Helen Bowl-A-Thon on March 28. This spirited fundraiser brings our community together in support of Bluegrass Care Navigators’ patients and families, while celebrating the life and legacy of Helen Wichmann.
Thanks to BCN’s compassionate care, Helen was able to spend her final days at home, comfortable and surrounded by loved ones. Through the Bowl-A-Thon, her family continues to honor her memory by helping ensure others receive that same comfort and dignity at the end of life. We are deeply grateful to the Wichmann family for championing our mission for the 18th year to provide the right care at the right time.
BCN Helps Single Mom Find Hope After Sudden Loss
Grief arrives without warning. For Crystal Huddle and her children, it came in an instant, through a car accident that took her husband’s life and forever changed their family.
After the accident, Crystal and her children turned to Bluegrass Care Navigators Grief Services, searching for help navigating life after loss. When they first came to counseling, Crystal’s oldest daughter, who was eight at the time, was angry and confused. The two needed help learning how to cope and communicate their feelings together. Through individual and family grief counseling, they found a safe place to share emotions, learn coping strategies, and begin healing together.
Counselors met with Crystal and her daughter separately, then brought them together to talk through what surfaced, helping
them learn to support one another. Creative outlets like journaling, drawing, art, and music became essential tools.
Crystal and her daughter attended Camp Hope, a free, oneday bereavement camp for children and their caregivers who have experienced a recent loss.
“Bluegrass Care Navigators helped our family find hope again,” Crystal said. “Not a return to normal, but to find the ability to smile, remember, and keep moving forward together.”
Bluegrass Grief Care is available free of charge to anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a loved one, and offers various programs, including Camp Hope, support groups, holiday workshops, and individual grief counseling. The grief care program is only possible due to the kindness and generosity of grant funding, community partners, and donor support.
Watch more of Crystal’s story: youtu.be/ 4hcZD3D1IwI or scan the QR code
Support, Understanding and Hope After Loss
Grief can be isolating, but no one has to face it alone. Through our community grief support groups, Bluegrass Care Navigators offers a safe, compassionate space for individuals and families who have experienced a loss, regardless of whether their loved one received care from BCN. Led by experienced grief counselors, these groups provide connection, understanding, and support as people navigate their grief and begin healing alongside others who truly understand. Learn more at bgcarenav.org/grief-care or call 855.492.0812
During Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, Bluegrass Care Navigators celebrated nearly 400 volunteers whose compassionate service makes a meaningful difference each day. Each year, finalists from across our regions are nominated for the Volunteer President’s Award. Thank you to all of our volunteers for being the daily definition of empathy, compassion, and kindness.
Debbie
Goins
Volunteer President’s Award Winner Frankfort
For nearly four decades, Debbie has been a steady, compassionate presence at Bluegrass Care Navigators. She began volunteering in 1988 after encouragement from her husband, who helped bring hospice care to the region—and she has faithfully served ever since.
Over the years, Debbie has supported patients, families and staff in countless ways. In the Frankfort office, she helps with administrative tasks, prepares monthly patient mailings, assists with bereavement cards, and makes weekly calls confirming counseling appointments. Families often share how much her kind voice and consistency mean to them, especially during times of grief.
Last year alone, Debbie volunteered more than 73 hours—and over her years of service, that dedication adds up to thousands of hours given with grace and care. Her commitment reflects the very heart of hospice and exemplifies what it means to serve a community with empathy, compassion and love.
Milly Burkhart Barbourville
Since 2011, Milly Burkhart has dedicated approximately 443 volunteer hours to Bluegrass Care Navigators, generously serving patients, families, and the Barbourville community. Over the years, she has supported a wide range of roles including respite care, companionship visits, 11th Hour support, shopping and errands, volunteer education, administrative assistance, and special holiday deliveries. Milly has also taken the initiative to organize staff picnics, helping strengthen connection and engagement among BCN team members. Her service reflects a genuine desire to support her community, stay connected, and live out BCN’s mission.
Marybeth Davin Cynthiana
Marybeth has been a Bluegrass Care Navigators volunteer since 2019, and in just 6 years she has served over 845 volunteer hours. Throughout the years, Marybeth has volunteered for companion visits, respite visits, deliveries, and has sewn memory bears and countless other items for our patients. Marybeth supports our patients, caregivers, BCN staff, and her fellow volunteers.
Judy Cornett Hazard
Judy Cornett has been a Bluegrass Care Navigators volunteer since 2012. Judy has worn many hats over the years—most recently she has played a key role in strengthening operations in our Hazard office by documenting care calls and bereavement calls in the electronic charting system, which has enhanced efficiency. Beyond her administrative contributions, Judy brings creativity and heart to her servicefrom sewing bereavement bears to preparing meals and celebration items for families in need. Her commitment to doing things the right way, every time, reflects the very essence of excellence.
Steve Drayton Lexington
For nearly five years, Steve Drayton has dedicated an incredible 1,840 volunteer hours to Bluegrass Care Navigators, consistently reflecting the mission and values of our organization. In the Lexington office, Steve provides invaluable administrative support and took the initiative to create the Volunteer Voices newsletter, thoughtfully developing each issue with meaningful updates and opportunities. He is also a key part of the volunteer onboarding process, assisting with references, background checks, and essential records. Steve approaches every task with efficiency, precision, and a true team spirit.
Mary Alice Gruden Northern Kentucky
For 20 years, Mary Alice Gruden has been a dedicated Bluegrass Care Navigators volunteer and a passionate ambassador for our mission. She is often the first to identify opportunities for outreach, helping BCN stay visible and connected by sharing information about wellness fairs, local meetings, and community events. Mary Alice also plays a key role in our flower program, arranging and delivering bouquets to patients, and serves on visit teams at several local facilities. Her impact reaches far beyond her volunteer hours through heartfelt service and advocacy.
Joshua Hoffman Pikeville
Joshua Hoffman, one of our volunteers in our Pikeville region, uses his skills to bring smiles to others every single day. He’s been volunteering for 10 years, doing a variety of activities such as putting together admission packets and visiting residents in facilities. He’s always willing to lend a helping hand and do anything that would help someone else.
Joshua Franco & Elizabeth Bowman PACE
We are proud to highlight two incredible volunteers at Bluegrass PACE Care: Josh and Elizabeth. Each week, Josh brings energy and joy as our official BINGO caller—one of our participants’ favorite activities. Elizabeth is a true jill-of-all trades, always ready to help wherever needed, from supporting participant activities to clerical work and even laundry. We are deeply grateful for Josh and Elizabeth and the kindness, dedication, and support they bring to our participants, team members, and the Bluegrass PACE Care community.
Visit bgcarenav.org/volunteer or call 855.492.0812 to learn more about joining our volunteer team.
Hazard Memorial Tribute Ceremony
Families and friends gathered at the Greg and Noreen Wells Bluegrass Hospice Care Center in April for a meaningful memorial tribute blessing ceremony, a time set aside for remembrance. Chaplain Paul Sluss, MDiv, offered thoughtful words and guided those present through a quiet moment of reflection. The memorial leaves and bricks, purchased in honor of loved ones, now serve as a lasting symbol of remembrance and love. The evening offered space to pause, remember, and honor the bonds that continue beyond loss.
Volunteer’s Dedication Helps NKY Flower Program Bloom
The dedication of Bluegrass Care Navigators’ Northern Kentucky Flower Program volunteers was recently recognized at the Garden Club of Kentucky Annual Convention, highlighting the powerful impact of their service to BCN patients. In addition to celebrating 22 awards earned for a wide range of gardening projects throughout Boone County, the Boone County Garden Club was also honored with the prestigious Club of Honor for its outstanding partnership with Bluegrass Care Navigators. This recognition reflects the heartfelt commitment of our volunteers and the meaningful difference they make in our community.
“Our flower program ladies pour so much heart into serving BCN patients,” Donna Repenning, leader of the flower program, said. “This award is a beautiful affirmation of their compassion, teamwork, and commitment. We don’t do this work
for the recognition, but this is a beautiful reminder that small acts of kindness, done together, can have a lasting impact.”
For more than three years, Donna has led the Northern Kentucky Flower Program, guiding its growth with creativity, care, and strong community engagement. BCN’s Northern Kentucky Flower Program is made up of 19 volunteers, 15 of which also belong to the Boone County Garden Club.
Under Donna’s leadership, the program welcomes three to five new volunteers annually, and the team gathers monthly at BCN’s Florence office to create 60–70 floral arrangements that bring comfort and joy to patients.
Beyond the flower program, Donna also serves on BCN’s Visit Team and mentors youth at St. Timothy’s, often engaging students in creating handmade cards for patients in nursing and assisted living facilities.
An Evening of Connection with Our Donor Community
On June 18, Bluegrass Care Navigators welcomed donors to our Lexington location for Charcuterie and Conversations, an evening of connection, hors d’oeuvres, and meaningful dialogue. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and engage with a panel from Thrivent Financial Group, who shared insights on financial planning and the role of planned giving in supporting charitable causes. The conversation offered thoughtful guidance while reinforcing how intentional planning can help sustain compassionate care for generations to come. We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this informative and engaging event.
Ready to Learn More? If you’d like to discuss how your planned gift can make a difference, or if you’ve already included us in your estate plans, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Laura Klumb at 859.296.6865 or lklumb@bgcarenav.org to start a conversation about your legacy. Thank you for considering this lasting gesture of love for our mission and those we serve.
Owen County Derby Breakfast Brings a Winning Show of Support
The Owen County Friends of Hospice annual Kentucky Derby Breakfast brought community members together on April 25 for a festive celebration benefiting Bluegrass Care Navigators. Over its 11-year history, this cherished tradition has raised more than $82,000 to support hospice and grief services for families in Owen, Franklin, Woodford and Anderson counties. Guests displayed Derby themed finery while enjoying delicious food and meaningful connection—made possible by dedicated volunteers and generous local supporters who continue to show up for compassionate care.
Grant Support Strengthens Care Across Kentucky
We extend our sincere thanks to several generous community partners for their recent support of Bluegrass Care Navigators. Their investment helps ensure compassionate, high quality care is available to individuals and families when needed most.
$97,500 Community Health Improvement Grant from Saint Joseph London (CommonSpirit Health)
Supported the expansion of Bluegrass Transitional Care, improving access for high risk patients transitioning from hospital to home in Laurel, Jackson, and Whitley counties.
Truist Foundation ($30,000) & Lexington Fayette Urban County Government ($30,000)
Provided $60,000 in combined grant funding to purchase an additional transportation van for Bluegrass PACE Care, expanding the existing fleet and helping ensure older adults in Fayette County can reliably access medical care and essential services.
Camp Hope Community Sponsors
Camp Hope is made possible through the generous support of Berea College Appalachian Fund, WHAS Crusade for Children, and the Hearst Foundations. Their combined investment helps ensure children and teens across our communities have access to a safe, supportive space to grieve, connect, and begin healing after the loss of a loved one.
Because of generous donors like you, 2025 was a year of compassionate care across Kentucky. Together, we provided care in 32 counties, served more than 14,000 patients, and were supported by volunteers who gave over 15,000 hours of their time, extending comfort, dignity, and connection when it mattered most.
Every story in this newsletter is part of the larger story found in our annual report. Our 2025 Annual Report highlights the impact you made possible across hospice, grief care, PACE, and more.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for making this work possible in communities across the Commonwealth.
2025 Annual Report.