The Power of the Ordinary: How the Comfort Closet Works Quiet Miracles at St. Joseph’s Home
At first glance, the Comfort Closet at St. Joseph’s Home, a Covenant Health facility in Medicine Hat, might seem like just another storage space. But open the door, and you’ll find more than shelves of nightgowns and toiletries. You’ll discover a quiet transformation at work, offering comfort to patients transitioning from hospital to hospice care.
Known as the COVE, short for “Compassionate Outreach, Valuing Everyone,” the Comfort Closet reflects a deeper belief that even small gestures can transform a person’s experience during life’s most vulnerable moments. Thanks to the staff members’ vision and the community’s collective compassion, this once ordinary space has sparked an inspiring transformation in how care and comfort are offered to patients.
It started with the care team’s vision.
The idea took shape when staff members Rose Sanchez, Karen Ristau and Cathy Rafa Hern noticed that many patients arrived at the hospice unit with very few belongings aside from a hospital gown. Moved by love and compassion, they imagined something much better for them.
“We wanted to offer patients the essentials so they wouldn't feel displaced or uncomfortable as they transitioned into hospice care,” says Rose Sanchez, a unit clerk at St. Joseph’s Home.
With support from site administrator Ryan Wiest and a Covenant Foundation grant, they brought their vision to life. Shelves were installed, supplies stocked and the Comfort Closet opened — a space where simple items like toiletries have become symbols of care.
"The nightgowns and toiletries are small things, but they make a huge difference in maintaining patients’ dignity." — Rose Sanchez, unit clerk
It was then powered by community compassion.
Word spread quickly. What started with a small circle of supporters soon inspired an outpouring of generosity. Local churches, families and community groups stepped forward, transforming the closet from a small project into a community-powered source of senior care and comfort.
“It was amazing to see how the community came together to help,” says Rose.
Small things, great love.
Today, the Comfort Closet empowers staff to respond to patient needs in the moment. This has helped transform a clinical environment into one of warmth and humanity.
For Rose, the magic lies in the details. “Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact, like offering someone a soft nightgown or a small bottle of shampoo,” she says. “It’s about showing our patients that we care about them as individuals, not just as patients.”
Thanks to ongoing donations and donor support through Covenant Foundation, the Comfort Closet continues to evolve — always ready to bring comfort, dignity and a little bit of light when it is needed most.
“It’s not about the things we give; it’s about the love and respect behind gestures. That’s what really matters.”
— Rose Sanchez
At Covenant Foundation, we believe that small acts of care can create powerful transformations. The Comfort Closet is just one of the many beautiful examples. To support more programs like this, consider donating today.