Positions include greeters, facilitators and intake interviewers.

LEWISTON – The Program for Grieving Children and Teens has scheduled its next session of volunteer training for individuals interested in helping the program provide support for children and teenagers, ages 3 to 18, and their family members who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, relative or friend.

The training teaches volunteers to work effectively as part of a support group facilitation team in addressing the bereavement issues and the needs of children and teens who are grieving.

Founded in 1998, the Program for Grieving Children and Teens is sponsored by St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and serves families from Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties at no charge.

The 25-hour course will consist of six evening sessions on June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 and 19 and an all-day program on Saturday, June 7. The evening sessions will be held at the Lewiston office of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and Saturday session will be held at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Volunteer positions include greeters, intake interviewers and group facilitators for children or adults. Individuals interested in taking the training are asked to make at least a one-year commitment.

Each year the program offers an eight-week session on Thursday nights in the spring and fall. Children meet weekly in groups for age appropriate activities, games, rituals, art and other forms of self-expression.

Adults meet at the same time to support one another and discuss ways to best meet their families’ needs. The program also holds one-day workshops and conducts community presentations.

To participate in the training or to learn more about the program, call Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice at 777-7740, extension 115, or 1-800-482-7412 (outside of Lewiston/Auburn) or at St. Mary’s Pastoral Care Department at 777-8520.