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A Communications Specialist, Content Creator and Digital Marketer
A Fresh Flower for the Soul
Originally posted on August 12, 2022.
One of our HopeWest Kids grief groups is called Grief’s Garden. This group provides not only a safe space for children to receive support through their grief journey, but also to grow as individuals. “They learned about planting and tending to seeds, plants, and flowers as a way to process and understand their grief,” said Courtney, Director of HopeWest Kids.
The group lasted for six weeks, and through these sessions, plants served as metaphors for their own personal grief journey. During the last group session, the kids cut flowers around the Ferris Care Center with Charlotte, Tanglewood Garden Designer, and created a colorful bouquet. The kids chose the flowers thoughtfully and curated them.
They presented the flowers to Caitlin, Family Support & Volunteer Coordinator at the Ferris Care Center, as a symbol of giving it to the patients and families receiving care. The flowers were placed in a patient room to bring a bit of the outdoors inside.
There is a significance to giving a gift through grief, it is an opportunity for growth among grieving individuals. The goal of HopeWest Kids is to come beside kids and provide support during their grief journey. Through the generosity of our community, we are able to support kids as they navigate difficult emotions and process their grief.
Volunteer Spotlight
Originally posted on September 13, 2022.
Shannon started playing the harp nearly three years ago. It’s a soothing instrument, and music can speak where words cannot.
She began her volunteering journey with HopeWest in January of 2022. Though she hasn’t volunteered for long, she has made strong connections in our community. Patients, families, and staff alike have been calmed by the soft, fluttering notes of the harp.
“I get the opportunity to make a special connection with people. There is a lot of fear and concern [at end of life],” Shannon said.
She plays in the Ferris Care Center, and it’s a welcoming sound in the building when she plays. Families send cards thanking her for her time and talent, even through the hardest times, gratitude abounds. “I get the opportunity to make a special connection and a positive experience in a way that brings comfort.”
Music runs in her veins and Shannon is learning to play the mandolin, ukulele, flute, and recorder with her children. We are glad to have her as a volunteer, and maybe the next time you are in the Care Center, you’ll hear the soothing sounds of the harp.
HopeWest PACE
Originally posted on September 8, 2022.
September is National PACE Awareness Month, celebrating the innovation of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The PACE model of care allows seniors with long-term care needs to remain living in the comfort of their home for as long as possible and as independently as possible.
PACE provides a team of health care professionals who help Grand Valley seniors with comprehensive care—medical, physical, emotional, and social care—like doctor or health care provider visits, transportation, medication and/or medical equipment, social activities, hospital visits, and nursing home stays when needed.
“It’s exciting to celebrate our first successful year in Mesa County.
HopeWest’s PACE currently provides wrap-around care to 52 participants, with more enrollments each month. This program truly closes a gap in care for the valley’s seniors who need a little extra support and wish to gracefully age in the comfort of their own home. We are honored to serve seniors on an individualized level through the PACE program,” said Cassie Mitchell, President & CEO of HopeWest.
Throughout the month of September, HopeWest PACE invites families to see firsthand how the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) could benefit their loved ones. Call today to schedule a home visit, take a tour, or talk to an Enrollment Specialist at (970) 255-7223.
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