Hospice of Montezuma has been awarded $5,000 in grants to improve the client entrance to its facility at 512 N. Broadway in Cortez.

The grants were awarded by concessionaire Aramark of Mesa Verde National Park and The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. House of Carpets, of Cortez, also donated wall paneling.

Volunteer workers arrived last week to remodel the entrance, which will provide a more comfortable and convenient experience for hospice patients and their families, said Carol Baumgartner, executive director for Hospice of Montezuma.

“It will be more welcoming,” she said. “We are thrilled for the generous contribution.”

The donation and volunteer labor was provided as part of the Aramark Building Communities program, said Scott Bauman, executive chef and 2021 ABC day team leader.

“The goal of the program is to foster community involvement in the region’s that the company operates,” he said.

Hospice of Montezuma provides end-of-life care, caregiver support and bereavement services for Montezuma, Dolores and San Miguel Counties and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

A staff of 23 serves 120 patients per year, and also provide bereavement support to families and friends, Baumgartner said.