Print Article 5/22/2015 Home Nursing Agency’s Healing Patch: A Program for Loss and Hope for Grieving Children and Their Families has gratefully accepted a $1,940 grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities Mid-Penn Region.
Pictured – Polly McGeary (right), Ronald McDonald House Charities Mid-Penn Region grant coordinator and board secretary, presents a check for $1,940 to Allison Stockley, Home Nursing Agency Healing Patch manager, to benefit the Agency’s program for grieving children and their families.
The Healing Patch is a free peer support program for children of all ages (preschool through 18 years) and their families who have suffered the death of a loved one. The safe environment allows grieving children and families to discover they are not alone and that hope and healing are possible.
Healing Patch groups include participants from throughout the region and take place twice monthly at locations in Altoona and Ebensburg. Each session begins with a meal and interactive games and activities, and then participants break out by age into peer support groups facilitated by specially trained volunteers. Grant funding from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Penn Region will provide craft supplies for activities.
“When children break into age-specific peer groups to engage in various activities and group discussions, the use of arts and crafts, drama, storytelling, music and play are just some of the ways children may choose to express their feelings,” explains Allison Stockley, Healing Patch manager. “As groups work on crafts/activities, volunteers focus discussions on the process rather than the final products. These group activities provide participants with non-threatening opportunities to build trust with other group members, tell their stories and share feelings and memories, while discussing the changes that have occurred in their lives and the challenges they face while rebuilding.”
The Healing Patch is offered free-of-charge to children and families and relies on individual and community dollars, grants and community events for support. Donations can be made to the Home Nursing Agency Foundation to support the Healing Patch. To learn more about the Healing Patch, please call Home Nursing Agency at 1.800.445.6262. Home Nursing Agency is a United Way Member Agency.
Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities Mid-Penn Region.
