LEWISTON – The Program for Grieving Children and Teens has announced a seven-session volunteer training beginning Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the offices of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave.
The training will include two Saturday sessions, Aug. 19 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and five evening sessions, Aug. 15, 17, 22, 24 and 29, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The training is free and is designed to prepare interested participants in the art of volunteer work with grieving children and their families. The course is comprehensive, exploring a range of topics, including the understanding of grief and its stages, how individuals of varying ages process grief, the use of age appropriate activities in groups and the safe expression of anger and other emotions.
Co-sponsored by Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Franklin Community Health Network, the Program for Grieving Children and Teens provides non-therapeutic peer-to-peer support for families who have lost a loved one to death.
In group settings, children, along with their group facilitator, embark on their individual journeys, exploring their grief through games, activities, art and other forms of self-expression.
Accompanying adults also meet during that time to support each other and discuss ways for supporting their families’ needs. Volunteer opportunities include facilitating groups for children or adults, greeting or interviewing families, community outreach, and office support.
“The work is demanding but extremely rewarding,” said Jake Lariviere, program coordinator. “Our program offers a meaningful volunteer experience for anyone ready to make a difference in the life of another.”
According to Lariviere, due to the nature of the work, program candidates must participate in an interviewing process and must not have suffered a loss in their own lives in the last year and be at least 16 years old.
Anyone interested in additional information, a training schedule or an application may contact Joan Spitzform, bereavement assistant, at 777-7740, ext. 1460.
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