Jennifer Slaughter knows how even a small gesture of thoughtfulness can brighten the days of a hospice patient. That's why she and her husband Terry, both avid gardeners, have spent the past four years developing Perenity, a one-of-a-kind flower ministry for hospice patients. "When you're dying, the smallest thing means so much," Jennifer explains. "This ministry is more than nice. It's remarkable. It's important. It's much more than the flowers."

Every week, our volunteers pick up the dozens of flower arrangements Jennifer and a few helpers create, and distribute them to patients. Most of the flowers are cut from Jennifer's personal gardens, but many left over from weddings and other special events are donated for reuse. Perenity even receives floral donations from the families of hospice patients who have requested that their funeral flowers be used in the arrangements. Gallery Terrence Denley, a garden design gallery in Birmingham, Alabama, supports Perenity.

Transportation for Perenity is donated through St. Vincent's Foundation, and vehicle operation and maintenance costs are funded by a Foundation grant. The program is the only one of its kind in Alabama, and thought to be unique within the United States.