VNA opens bereavement center
BUTLER TWP — Although the Visiting Nurses Association of Western Pennsylvania is known for visiting as the name implies, the local nonprofit is welcoming guests at its newly opened bereavement center.
The center occupies about 1,500 square feet including meeting rooms, a library space and a cozy one-on-one assessment room, where first-time visitors can consult with staff on programs compatible with their needs.
Part of the VNA facilities on Hindman Road, the bereavement center evolved from the agency's hospice program, in which some bereavement followup is typical.
For many hospices, that followup consists of phone calls and sympathy cards sent to client families. But over the last eight years, VNA has added classes and groups for clients and the community.
Although doctor-prescribed hospice services are treated as billable medical needs, the bereavement programs are offered as a community outreach. Costs are absorbed by VNA and offset by donations.
"Originally, we had (a group) in only one room," said bereavement coordinator Jolene Formaini, describing how the original programs were held in health centers, churches and ill-equipped conference rooms.
"I started developing programs and we held them wherever we could," she said.
The first offerings included Weathering Grief, a group for adults to attend shortly after a death — then expanded to Bridges, a five-session bereavement class designed for those in the later stages of grief.
The original workers included two part-time staffers and a volunteer. As of the center's opening last month, 13 people are contributing to the 19-plus programs that span diverse age groups and needs. Although the programs provide a forum for those with a common experience, Formaini said each takes on its own personality, depending on participants.
The most recent programs include Men's Morning, a monthly breakfast and guided discussion for widowers. Ed Vandevort officiates the group.
"The way Iopen up each one of my sessions is that I'm here just to guide the meeting," said Vandevort, a volunteer who was widowed last year.
"I'm here for support as well: Maybe you can help me and I can help you."
The Sarver man began volunteering some 20 years ago when his wife, Mary, worked at VNA as a nurse's aide, then later as a volunteer.
"I packed the van," he laughed, describing how his initial role was to support Mary in her volunteer efforts, even if that meant transporting materials to offsite locations or holding a box of tissues during special memorials.
Vandevort's involvement changed last year, after Mary spent several weeks in hospice care before succumbing to cancer.
That experience led him to the Weathering Grief group, then to begin hosting Men's Morning.
That group has been offered for two consecutive months, with a few people in attendance each time. However, the need for the group was confirmed, Formaini said, as those participating extended the session by 30 minutes.
Although classes are led by VNA staff, the support groups are often led by people like Vandevort.
Formaini said groups generally begin slowly, with two or three in attendance, then evolve to a more sizable group.
"My biggest fear is that I'm going to run out of donuts," she said.
These free support and education programs are hosted for the community by the Visiting Nurses Association, 154 Hindman Road, Butler Township.The VNA also houses a library with books and materials on dealing with illness or loss and offers community education and customized training.For information or to consult with a grief specialist, call Jolene Formaini at 724-431-3520.<B>Adults</B>• Weathering Grief — For adults after any death. Meets monthly.• Parent to Parent — Peer support for those who have lost a child of any age. Meets monthly.• Transitions Support — Peer support for those who have lost a spouse or partner. Meets monthly.• Transitions Social — Ongoing social events for widows and widowers.• Men's Morning — Breakfast and guided discussion for widowers. Meets monthly.• Precious Dreams — Individual support after miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death.• Reflections of Hope — Weekend retreat for widows.• Bridges — Series of five weekly classes for adults who have experienced a loss at least six months previously.• Holiday grief — Community presentations in November and December.• Speaking of Grief — Offers speakers on grief and loss to groups and organizations.<B>Children and teens</B>• Family Connections — Grief assessment and healing activities for individual families.• Camp Connections — One-day fun camp experience for families with grieving children.• Forever Friends — Program for high school students who have lost a friend.• Changing Classrooms — Classroom sessions for students in kindergarten through sixth grade after the death of a classmate or teacher.• Through Their Eyes — Individual support for the developmentally challenged and their caregivers.<B>Family caregivers</B>• Taking Charge — Educational and support program to empower family caregivers.• Caring Well — Session to preserve, kindle and liberate the spirit of the caregiver.• Caring Decisions — Session for education about options when seriously ill.• Grieving Now — Session for individuals or families facing an impending loss.
