Debra Lavoie
Portland, Maine (November 29, 2011) –Gary’s House, an affiliate of Mercy Health System of Maine has named Debra Lavoie as Executive Director to oversee the facility’s management and carry out local outreach projects and initiatives in the community with health care providers.
Lavoie succeeds Sandra Anthoine in this position to direct Gary’s House, a safe and affordable place for families to stay when they have a loved one in the hospital. Lavoie brings a blend of critical thinking, project management, and interpersonal skills to her new position and will work to expand awareness of the organization throughout Maine while managing the house’s daily operations and working with dedicated volunteers.
Previously, Lavoie served as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at York County Community College and Director of Admissions and Marketing at Catherine McAuley High School.
“Deb will help extend the tradition of warmth and hospitality that has become the standard at Gary’s House while also helping to connect this wonderful resource to those who don’t know it exists,” said Mike Gendreau, VP of Mission Effectiveness at Mercy Health System of Maine.
Named after Gary Pike who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 1991, Gary’s mother Trudy McNeal spent the seven years after her son’s death gathering the financial support of family and friends to establish a place where families could rest and refresh in quiet comfort when experiencing the ordeal of a critical illness of a loved one. The warm and spacious home at 97 State Street in Portland, is aptly named for the McNeal’s courageous and inspirational son.
About Gary’s House
Gary’s House opened in 1998 as a safe and affordable place for families to stay when they have a loved one in the hospital. No one is turned away from Gary’s House, except those who live within the Greater Portland area.
About Mercy Health System of Maine
Mercy Health System of Maine is a growing community of healthcare providers who provide clinically-excellent, compassionate care. A recognized leader in quality, safety, innovation and patient experience, Mercy operates campuses throughout southern Maine, offering a broad range of medical and surgical services, as well as primary and specialty care. The story of Mercy includes Mercy Hospital, Gary’s House, McAuley Residence, Mercy Recovery Center, and VNA Home Health & Hospice. For more information, please call (207) 879-3486 or visit www.mercyhospital.org.
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