Become A Volunteer Group Facilitator For Healing Hearts
Become A Volunteer Group Facilitator For Healing Hearts
DANBURY â A regional hospice agency that serves Newtown is seeking individuals willing to help grieving children and adults find support, compassion, and acceptance after the death of their parent or sibling. Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut, Inc seeks volunteers to assist with grief support offered by The Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children & Families.
Volunteer group facilitators will complete a professionally led training that is required of all volunteers. After completing the 20-hour training, volunteers work in teams to create a safe environment for children, teens, and parents/caregivers to discuss their grief issues.
Ongoing supervision, instruction and support from the program manager (as well as other program staff) help volunteer facilitators develop their capacity to be a helpful presence to the bereaved.
Healing Hearts Group facilitators are asked to make a one-year commitment for either Tuesday or Thursday. Groups meet biweekly SeptemberâJune and once a month in July and August. Regular attendance is essential to maintain continuity with the children and families.
Volunteer facilitators participate from 5:15 to 8:30 pm, including meetings with program staff members before and after the support groups for preparation and debriefing.
Volunteers must be 21 years or older and agree to a criminal background check and fingerprinting prior to assuming their volunteer role. Participation in the volunteer training and continuing education is required.
Volunteers facilitators must be able to work as a team member, maintain an atmosphere of respect and nonjudgment, respect confidentiality, and be dependably present to participants, other volunteers and staff of the program. Individuals from varied backgrounds and career experiences are welcome to apply â compassionate, caring, and empathetic listeners are welcome.
Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Healing Hearts volunteer facilitator may contact Joanna DeNicola, LCSW, Healing Hearts program manager at 203-792-4422 or e-mail: JDeNicola@RegionalHospiceCT.org.