Joanna DeNicola, LCSW, MSW, MPA, program manager at the Healing Hearts Center for Grief and Loss, was selected by the National Alliance for Grieving Children to present a large group session at their annual conference this past June. Members/attendees were grief centers, hospices, hospitals, support groups, religious organizations, community organizations and mental health organizations from across the country. The topic was "Lessons Learned from Newtown: Hope and Healing."
DeNicola was joined at the presentation by the parents of one of the Sandy Hook victims, who had been supported by Healing Hearts in the months after the tragedy. The objectives of the session were to help participants gain an understanding of the interventions that were beneficial to those most directly impacted by loss on 12/14 and to help participants identify the skills most helpful for working with those impacted by community tragedy.
Regional Hospice and Home Care is a nonprofit home hospice and palliative care agency based in Danbury, Conn., that offers real hope to those facing advanced illness through patient-focused care, education, resources and advocacy. Its team of certified caregivers helps patients and families discover what end-of-life care can be—what can be gained, what can be realized and what can be recaptured. Its range of services includes medical, emotional, spiritual and comfort. Regional Hospice never turns patients away, regardless of the ability to pay. It is also home to the award-winning Healing Hearts Center for Grief and Loss, which offers a range of grief support services. For more information, visit www.RegionalHospiceCT.org. Follow us on twitter: @real_hope. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RegionalHospice.
Image source: Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, Inc.