About the Isaiah House
What We Do
At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” ― Mother Teresa
Since 1987, we have operated a two bedroom home given to us by one of our donors, and we have been serving the city of Rochester ever since. The energy and passion of our founder, director, and volunteers provide much needed comfort to our residents and their families. The Rochester medical community of nurses, social workers, and physicians call on us often to serve those with the fewest options and greatest need.
There is no cost to stay at Isaiah House and no expectation. We meet those in need of our care and walk side by side with them through each moment, hour, and day, making today the best day it can be. Families are invited to share in their loved ones care or leave the caring to our compassionate volunteers. This enables the family or loved-ones to focus on the loving and comforting moments without the stress or worry of what needs to be done.
Our History
The Isaiah House was built
Serving Those Who Are Most in Need
Referrals may come from the social workers, community health nurses, families, physicians, as well as dying individuals. Preference is given to those whose economic or psychosocial resources are lacking or who are unable to remain in their own homes.
We believe comfort can be maintained as death approaches in this home setting of warmth and personalized care. Our approach is holistic. Physical, emotional, social and
Kristin Kildea, RN, Director
Kristin has been a registered nurse for over twenty years and a hospice nurse for eleven. She began her career in hospice at Lifetime Care and has been the Director of the Isaiah House since 2009.
Read more about Isaiah House Director, Kristin Kildea, RN
Candace Easton, Financial Administrator
Candace is a graduate of the University at Buffalo with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. She pursued a career in sales, but always had a desire to be involved in a non profit organization. She appreciates the opportunity to work closely with the residents, family members and volunteers at Isaiah House.
A Note from the Director
I began my relationship with Isaiah House years before becoming its director. I was moved by the dedication and willingness of the staff and volunteers to care for those who had great need, unfortunate pasts, and uncertain futures..
Many of the people we share our community with today may find themselves sick and dying with family unable to care for them, or no family at all.
It means so much to each one of us to be able to ease some of one’s journey. We are committed to treating everyone with compassion, kindness, and love.
Isaiah House is a home with smells of soup and cookies coming from the kitchen, with a quilt on the bed, and a bell to ring if you need assistance. We focus on quality of life. We look at each day as an opportunity to create something special. Sometimes that is something very simple like picking out pj’s or coffee hour at the kitchen table. Everyone’s needs are different and we respect those differences. The day starts the way our resident would like it to and it ends the same way. Every moment of every day is shared with others who care, and that can make all the difference. No one has to walk this journey alone.
Kristin Catalano
Director, Isaiah House
Dr. Rob Horowitz, Medical Director
Dr. Rob Horowitz has been pro bono Medical Director of Isaiah House since 2015. He describes this work as “among my most meaningful, soul-nourishing and gratifying pleasures.”
Rob is the Georgia and Thomas Gosnell Distinguished Professor in Palliative Care, and is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Hospice & Palliative Care Medicine. He worked as a rural Emergency Physician for 14 years until 2012, when he moved his professional home to the University of Rochester Medical Center division of Palliative Care, where he works with children and adults who have serious illness in hospital, office and home settings. He has been Chief of the Palliative Care Division since 2015. He also founded and served as Medical Director of URMC’s Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program from 1999 until 2015.
In addition to his clinical and administrative duties, Rob teaches medical and nursing students, residents, fellows and seasoned clinicians in multiple small and large group settings, and facilitates several reflection and support groups for trainees, colleagues and staff. His joys are family and friends, and among his pursuits are music (piano), exercise, and meditation.
He and his high school sweetheart-wife Rhea live in Brighton, and are the proud parents of three amazing gentlemen.
