Dear grieving parents, I have always admired you. Grieving while parenting means your days are filled with waves of sorrow, moments of unexpected joy and endless other emotions that sneak up on you out of nowhere, all while care giving for humans who depend on you. You take it day by day, moment by moment, […]
I was blessed to have a mom who showed unconditional love. You know, one of those rare (and feisty) birds. And I fully realize that not everyone is as fortunate – yet, we all seem to follow some form of our mom’s guidance. “Babe” stayed home with me and my older twin brothers, didn’t drive […]
Written by: Pamela Bills, LPC Many grieving people with whom I have spoken recently have expressed that during this time of pandemic, they feel as if their own grief and loss have been minimized. When others minimize our feelings, or when we ourselves do so, it can be a natural tendency to “shove it down.” […]
Written by: Jill Thorson, LCSW One of my favorite activities to do with grieving youth begins with an old classic, Play-Doh. I give them a small piece of the Play-Doh and explain the rules: in 60 seconds, it has to look different. Some jump right in. They tear and roll pieces, crafting something elaborate. Others […]
Written by, Cynthia Victor of Fox Valley Food for Health There is a common tradition you see in every community after the death of a loved one: the outpouring of compassion for the family – the tradition of feeding those left behind. The gift of food is a way of saying we care, we are […]
Looking Forward: A Few Words from Executive Director, Beverly DeJovine To say that my first six months as Executive Director of FVHH was filled with immense learning would be such an understatement. So many in our FVHH community – our staff, our volunteers, our clients, our Board, our community – have been incredibly generous with […]
Yesterday, the Women’s Business Council of St. Charles Chamber of Commerce (WBC) hosted a luncheon to announce and recognize their three 2020 charities, which included Fox Valley Hands of Hope! Not All Wounds Bleed and Kane County Repertory Theater were also in attendance as recipients for 2020. Lunch was accompanied by presentations from all of the benefiting organizations. Fox […]
Join Fox Valley Hands of Hope in welcoming our new Director of Development, Noe Janus! Noe brings with her an extensive background in fundraising development and special events. Her expertise and confidence in the field of development are two things that we welcome with open arms here at FVHH! When asked why she chose Fox […]
Written by: Pamela Bills, LPC. Grief and loss are normal parts of life yet we as a society do not like to talk about them. Often referred to as the “uninvited dinner guest,” grief is generally tolerated from a distance, a subject talked around not about. However, in a workplace made up of humans, merely […]
“Dying is a very personal and humbling experience. Helping to better prepare the client and their family and bring more meaning into their lives is what we do.” These words were shared by one of our many dedicated volunteers, Frances Channon. Frances has been working with Fox Valley Hands of Hope for over 20 years. […]
“Hope, First Hand” is a blog aimed at inspiring and educating those interested in the work of Fox Valley Hands of Hope. For almost 40 years Fox Valley Hands of Hope has remained committed to providing compassionate guidance and support for the grieving. We have the distinct pleasure of meeting a multitude gracious, brave, and […]
We are happy to announce the addition of Beverly DeJovine as the Executive Director of Fox Valley Hands of Hope! Bev brings a wealth of corporate executive experience to the organization after serving in senior roles with Nielsen and McDonald’s Corporation. She has been a highly involved and valued member of our Board of Directors […]
21st Annual Garden Party Over 500 people attended the 21st Annual Garden Party, Fox Valley Hands of Hope’s biggest fundraiser! More than $40,000 worth of showcase prizes and $30,000 in live and silent auction items were presented at the event, which was held on June 10th at The Q Center in St. Charles. The […]
Fox Valley Hands of Hope is pleased to announce the addition of Erik Meeks, MA, LCPC as the Manager of Bereavement Services. Erik comes to the organization with over a decade of professional helping experience as a counselor and therapist. Erik is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois and has received his […]
This past May, Fox Valley Hands of Hope held our 23rd Annual Footprints Memorial Walk, a remembrance service and walk for those who have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or infant loss. This year we had 24 adults and children join us for the service and walk through Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin. Ed […]