Hart Comfort House is a warm and welcoming home, providing loving care to terminally ill residents and their families.

Hart Comfort House provides 24-hour comfort care to these residents, allowing them dignity and blessings in their remaining time.

Admission is based solely on need.

Coordinator of Volunteers: Joanne White
“We are here for the dying and their families and whatever they need: hands to hold, hugs, prayers, hope.”

Former Coordinator of Volunteers: Cheryl Van Cassele
“Some people may, unknowingly, assume that an end of life facility will be a somber place. The Hart Comfort House is anything but. This is one of the happiest, most joyful places in the county as far as I’m concerned.”

September 2020
“To Scott and the Volunteer Team,
I want to extend a huge thank you to you for your ministry….. You not only cared for the the physical needs of my father, but you also cared for the needs of the family…..Everyone’s patience and kindness were exceptional. For those who were there at Hart House at night, so my mom and I could sleep, thank you. To those who walked with us during dad’s final hours, THANK YOU. …. Keep fulfilling your destiny and making a difference in this world.” Glenda Wright Mix and family

June 2020
“The Edwards Family would like to thank all the people involved with the care of Elizabeth. Our family could not have asked for better care than what our mother received from the Hart House. With all our thanks,” Alan, Dale, Michael and Robin Edwards

December 2019
Dear Scott, Staff, and Volunteers,
“Thank you so much for the wonderful loving care that was provided for our mom, Lola Cline. It was comforting to know she was being cared for and comforted by the wonderful staff there. There are not enough words to express our appreciation.” Deb and Guy Jackson and Tom and Pat Cline

October 27. 2019
“Dear Hart House Team,
Words alone are not enough to thank each of you for the loving care and compassion shown to all of us. We could not ask for a more compassionate group of people. Our Mom(Ruth Meacham) was so blessed to spend her last days at the Hart House. We will never be able to say enough good things about all the staff/volunteers and their loving care. Staying at the Hart House close to our Mom in her last days meant more to us then you can imagine. Thank you and God bless” Mark and Helen Baker

October 5,2019
“….I want to thank all the wonderful people who cared for my husband Patrick before his passing in July. Also, thank you for the care and compassion that was shown to me and rest of our family and friends. Hart House is truly an amazing place, staffed by amazing people who share love, caring, and compassion at a very difficult time. …. ” Cherlyn Savage

August 5, 2019
“Dear Hart House Staff and Volunteers,
Thank you for the compassionate care you gave to Pat during the final days of his life and for the support you provided to his family.
We are grateful that you were able to provide a home-life place for him to be while surrounded by his wife and family.
Your staff and volunteers are to be commended for the high level of care and their compassion to those who are going through such a difficult and sad time.
It is our hope that our donation will help you continue to provide this service to individuals and families in their time of need.”
Sincerely, Nancy and Gene Martin, Karen Savage Jackson, Mariann Savage, Michael Savage and Scott Savage

June 2019
“Dear Hart House,
Thank you very much for your compassionate care of Marcella Sweet. Everyone there was incredibly kind and helpful, attempting to make sure Marcella was comfortable and all her needs being met. Her family could not have asked for better location for her to spend her final days.
We are forever grateful for you time, gentleness, and kindness. We know that running the Hart House is a team effort. Our thanks to each of you who cared for
Marcella, helped to clean, schedule volunteers, or had any role in the operation.
Thank you for all the work you do; you are truly special people.”
Beverly, Brian, and Kevin Sweet

April 2019
In Memory of Katherine Brown Hart House resident 4/4/18 – 4/13/18
“Dear Scott and All the Volunteers at Hart House,
One year ago this week, my mom finished her journey at Hart House. I can never thank you all for your care, compassion, and true comfort during this time. It meant more than you know! We will always hold a special place in our thoughts and prayers for all of you.”
Clark and Lori Brown – Lori crocheted a beautiful blanket for Hart House. “The tree surrounding the heart truly represents the love and dedication you all show everyday.”

March 2019
“How can families adequately thank the staff and volunteers at the Hart House? During the difficult and emotional time of Lanny’s passing, the people at Hart Comfort House were friendly, caring, helpful, respectful, and supportive. Our area is incredibly fortunate that Hart House exists.” Cheryl Wesche, Rob Wesche and family, Jeff and Lisa (Wesche) Russell and family

February 2019
To the management, staff, volunteers and members of the surrounding community of the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, NY:
“We would like to offer our sincerest thanks for all you have done to make our sister Sue’s final days the very best they could be. … In the time that Sue was with you, she was visited by most of her extended family and friends, and it was immediately apparent to all who visited that we were fortunate to have Sue at Hart Comfort House. From the mental, physical, and spiritual care Sue was given, coupled with the support and friendship we received as a family helped us all through this difficult time.
Prior to Sue’s residence at Hart Comfort House, we were not familiar with the Hart House of or the level of care that could be had when the right people in the right community decide to offer up a solution to an issue that all families must deal with at some point in their lives. It is without reservation we say, ‘The kind, compassionate and dedicated volunteers and staff at Hart House set a new standard in the care that should be studied and emulated by any persons and facilities that consider themselves participants in the care of the terminally ill.’
We go forward in a world without Sue, but we do so knowing she was surrounded at all times by the very best people caring for her in a way that all families would hope for. Other than more time with Sue, what more could we ask? Thank you for all you have done.” Mary Lynn and David Dole

 Notes of Appreciation
February 2019
Dear Hart House Family,
“My hand is writing this message because the bottom of my heart cannot hold a pen.
These past months have been extremely difficult time for me as I watched my Aunt, Sue Ando die of brain cancer. My heart has been deeply touched by each of you for the kindness, sympathy, and love you have shown her and my family.
Thank you for making this house feel warm and welcoming during a very difficult time. I truly appreciate the love and support I received from each of you when things didn’t seem so good. What a blessing to have such loving, compassionate caregivers who give of their time to be of service without any reward. I always felt she was safe and loved when she was there alone, when none of us could be there with her.
My heart has been touched by your generosity and support. It’s hard to put into words the thanks I would like to give for all the care you provided for not only my aunt, but also for my family.
May you continue blessing people’s lives for many years to come. May God bless you all.” With love and appreciation, Kathy Olejaiczak

February 2019 “Words cannot express my deepest gratitude for how much care and comfort you provided Sue Ando, my dearest friend of 55 years.” Thanks to those answering the phone at Hart House, “I was able to remind Sue of fun times we’ve had, hear her laughter one more time, tell her I’d be ok when she would go, and hear her last word to me ‘bye’.
You are incredible living angels on earth. Thank you for helping my dearest friend, Sue, die with love, comfort, and dignity.” Gratefully, Janet Nosowicz

November 2018 “To all the wonderful people who work and volunteer at Hart Comfort House – I continue to keep memories of the warmth, kindness, and support the people of Hart House gave to my mother Pauline, and to my whole family, while she was under your care. God bless you and all the humanity you bring to those who need it.” Andrew Morrison and family

August 2018 “With appreciation and love for all, for the wonderful care you all gave to our mother, Nina Decker.” Craig and Alice and family & Dave and Lynette and family

April 2018 – Dear Scott and ALL Comfort House helpers,
“The family of Betty Ferris would like to thank you for helping us with her final days so lovingly. Your caring and dedication helped all of us along the journey. God bless you all.” Norene and Family”

February 2018 – To all at Hart House
“We are so thankful for the care you gave to Georgia. Truly you are angels. You made her last days end in dignity and with loving care.” The Family of Georgia Grastorf

February 2018
To everyone at the Hart House,
“We cannot begin to describe the gratitude and appreciation we feel for all the staff at the Hart Comfort House. We would like to thank each of you for the compassion you showed to our father/grandfather. We sincerely appreciate all your efforts of care and concern for Walter Coyle. Thank you for making his last two months full of peace.”
With heartfelt gratitude, Mike, Jamie, Patrick and Spencer Coyle

October 2017
“My grandmother spent her last few days with you. The Comfort House was a blessing. It was comforting knowing she was in such amazing hands. Thank you for all you do. God bless all of you.” Connie Dickerson

September 2017
“Thank you all so very much for you compassion, your patience to allow mom to be herself and remain independent for as long as possible, and for bringing joy into her life (as well as ours.)
It was a difficult decision and big adjustment for her to leave her home of 68 years, but all of you helped her make the adjustment at her own pace.
I can’t imagine a better place for her to have been for those nearly three months. It felt as though everyone was family.
Thank you for the incredible gift you give to those who need it most.”
Mike and Lola Hardy

September 2017
“Bob was only with you for a few hours, but thank God for all you did for me and my family. Most of all what you did for Bob. The love and caring you provided will stay with me for the rest of my life. Peace be with you my friends,” Sally Dougherty

Dear Scott and all the Volunteers,
“It’s taken some time for everything to sink in, but not a day goes by that we don’t find ourselves appreciating everything you did for Jessie. Being so far away from home (NY) kept us far from truly caring for her the way we wanted. Thank you doesn’t even cover the gratitude we have for the Hart House. Thank you for loving her as much as we did.” Victor and Leslie Stark

February 2. 2017 To all of you at the Hart Comfort House,
“You are to be commended for your kindness shown to our family. Your generous loving hearts blessed us so much. We can’t thank you enough for the absolutely professional and yet intimate care and concern for our mom.”

January 23, 2017 To the Staff and Volunteers,
“We are writing to extend out thankfulness for the wonderful and warm welcome we felt, while staying at the house. From the moment of our late arrival on Thursday, Jan. 19th to our departure on Sunday, Jan. 22th, EVERY staff and volunteer that entered the home made us and our family feel as it was ‘home!’
Not only did your staff and volunteers welcome and comfort us, we witnessed them going above and beyond, with the exceptional care they provided our loved one. There are no words to express how grateful we are for the kind, compassionate care she received during her final days of life.
The Hart Comfort House was a blessing to our family and we are so grateful for this wonderful experience.” Darlene Gibson and Joan Whilhoit

October 2016 To Staff at Hart Comfort House
“Our family cannot thank you enough for all you do. My mother was treated like a queen. We are in awe of the care, warmth, kindness, knowledge and team work.”

September 2016 To Scott, Cheryl and Volunteers
“You were such a blessing to my mother…allowing her to live her final days in such a wonderful setting and with such a caring staff. As for me, I am grateful for the support you provided to me and my sisters in what was a stressful time. I feel you are part of a true miracle.”

August 27, 2016
“I spoke with my sister, Jessie Stark, many times during her stay at Hart Comfort House. She always had high praise for the care you gave her and delighted in the conversations she had with all of you. No amount of of money could buy the love and care you gave her.
What a testament to Wellsville and Allegany County to provide such a wonderful service to the people who are gravely ill, those who need understanding and TLC. You can be so very proud of what you do. God bless all of you and that make Hart Comfort House a success.” N. J. Fritz

April 2016
“Thank you doesn’t seem enough to convey what you were able to do during our mom and wife’s last few days. You were able to provide a space in which we could just ‘be’ with her.”

September 20, 2015
“It is with thanks and appreciation that my husband, Carlos Gutierrez and I write this note to convey our thoughts about Arthur Kellogg’s final days at the Comfort House of Allegany County. It was certainly the ideal place where my brother felt comfortable, loved, and pampered during his terminal illness. Most importantly, he was kept pain-free and actually enjoyed his “home away from home” during a difficult period.

Whenever we called, we were greeted by Scott or another volunteer who conveyed positive attitudes that reflected the ambience of the Comfort House. This care and concern were obvious to family members who could not be physically present but depended on the phone for communications.

We cannot thank the staff at the comfort House enough for all the services provided so lovingly to Arthur, his wife Marilyn, and to the entire family during his final days. The Comfort House of Allegany County is certainly a model for how the terminally ill should be treated. May you continue your wonderful work.”
Sincerely, Ruth Kellogg

July 2015
Dear Directors and Volunteers,
“We are extremely grateful for the wonderful care our brother received at Hart House. Everyone we came in contact with there was so kind and caring, and all of us who visited there were treated graciously. Our brother was kept as comfort able as possible. Every volunteer gave compassionate care.”

June 2015
“I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and compassion and care you extended to our entire family. We are so very blessed to have such an amazing place available for families in need.”

May 2015,
To Scott and the staff of Hart Comfort House,
“Our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your excellent care of mom and all of us. Such a difficult and emotional time [was] eased by everyone’s compassion, kindness and expertise. We will sing the praises of Hart Comfort House to anyone and everyone.”

March 2015,
To staff and volunteers,
“There are no words to express our gratitude for the care and comfort given to our mom during her last days. We were truly blessed to have each one of you in our lives. You are all amazing people.”

To all the members of the Hart Comfort House,
“I wish to thank all of you for taking are of my sister-in-law-and for making her days as comfortable as possible. Words cannot express our gratitude for you all that did for her and my brother.”

From the family of a resident to express deep appreciation:
“Clearly a single note cannot begin to express our feelings for the care and service you provided for our family. Thank you so much! It was Mom’s wish to spend her final days with you and we now know why. Your service to the community is very special.”

From the daughter of a resident:
“Thank you so very much for all you have done for my mom during her time of illness. The Hart House made her feel at home and comfortable in her last days. She was content and so very happy! As her children, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for putting many smiles on her face and all the hugs and warm hearts that surrounded her and us. We felt at home and feel as though we have gained a family instead of a loss.”

March 5 2012
“Dear Scott and Dave,
I want to thank you both from the very bottom of my heart for providing my brother, Damon, with the best possible care he could have had for his last two months of life. Hart Comfort House is a truly phenomenal place. The few hospices I’ve been to in my life, though well-run and supportive, don’t compare.

Even before my sister and I and our husbands were able to get there to spend a precious five and a half days with my brother, Scott was extremely reassuring and supportive over the phone, answering all my questions thoroughly, giving me daily updates on Damon’s current condition, and urging me to call any time. I did call several times a day and I also spoke with Dave, Michelle and the volunteers who also were always so kind and helpful making me feel each time that Damon was getting excellent care. Then each time I spoke with Damon, he expressed his gratitude for the wonderful treatment he was getting from everyone, making him feel loved, embraced and appreciated.

When my family and I got there, we were all heartily welcomed by everyone. We were impressed by the physical house as well. It’s so bright and beautifully designed and decorated providing a warm, homey atmosphere. The volunteers keep it absolutely spic and span. We were told everything was donated by different people yet it seemed as if an interior decorator had selected everything and put it together. It truly felt like a home, not a hospice.

Then we observed with our own eyes the extraordinary care my brother was receiving. The volunteers did everything they could to meet his every wish and need, shopping for and cooking whatever he wanted, sitting with him to talk or read to him, and giving him his medications and calling Dr. Coch when necessary to discuss any possible changes in dose or drug. Sharon is doing a superb job of coordinating the volunteers, no easy task I’m sure due to the number of people and shifts. I believe there were over 50 volunteers during our short time there, all of them donating their time despite their own responsibilities and challenges in life!

Scott and Dave, you have done a magnificent job to make Hart Comfort House a reality. My brother had the great good fortune and honor to be the first resident, and I know many more people will benefit tremendously from your superlative work. The unending support, kindness and caring generosity of all at Hart Comfort House have given Damon the best possible quality possible of his last two months of life, and I will be forever extremely grateful. Thank you so, so much.

A big hug for both of you and everyone at Hart Comfort House,”

Lauretta