Hope for the Holidays
During a time of year when most are checking off lists, decorating and preparing for family gatherings, grievers are struggling through this holiday season. Fox Valley Hands of Hope staff and volunteers are dedicated to support and comfort the adults, children and families we serve all year long through special programming in November and December.
Hope for the Holidays is an evening group for those who have lost a loved one and are looking for support and guidance. On Thursday, November 15th, the first of two sessions was offered in anticipation of the season. Participants talked about sadness and the sense of isolation during the busiest, “happiest” time of the year. Facilitator Mary O’Sullivan felt “it was just a nice group of people getting together to talk about ways to make the endless lists and obligations more manageable, ways to be gentle with ourselves in a time of pain, and ways to honor the people who aren’t with us this year to celebrate”.
The next session takes place on Thursday, December 13th from 6:30-8:30. This session also welcomes our young grievers, children 4-8 years old, who are missing a loved one this holiday season. The children will meet during the same time with their own separate group and facilitators to share, ask questions and create something special in memory to take home. Please join us for this opportunity to meet others who understand and a chance to enter this season with friendship and comfort.
For more detailed information on our programs and services, please visit www.FVHH.net