PRESS RELEASE: April 13, 2009 For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist
302-547-1816 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ALS Support Group
First Thursday of the month, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford. Free and open to the public. No registration required.
For current caregivers of loved ones who suffer from Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) or bereaved survivors of ALS patients to discuss coping methods of dealing with this disease. Facilitator will be Larry Ganster, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 1-800-838-9800.

General Caregiver Support Groups
Wednesday afternoons, from 12 – 1:30 pm, Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, in the Reflection Room. Free and open to the public. No registration required.
All caregivers are welcome to come to an open-ended group where all aspects of caring for someone are discussed. Facilitator will be Dr. Judy Pierson, Clinical Psychologist, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Grief Support Groups
Monday, May 4 – June 15, 2009; 5:00-6:30 pm; Delaware Hospice Millsboro Office, 315 Old Landing Rd., Millsboro. Registration required. Call Carol Dobson, Group Facilitator, at 302-856-7717 between 8 -4:30 pm, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Six-week support group for 18 years old and over who are grieving the death of a loved one. Groups are for you to learn about the grief process, receive support in a caring environment with those who are going through a similar experience, and ultimately feel less alone in your grief.

Life Partner Grief Support Group
Monday May 4 – June 15, 2009; 5 – 6:30 pm; Camp Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach. Free and open to the public. Registration required by calling Sally Packard, LCSW, at 302-856-7717 between 8 and 4:30 pm, or by calling Camp Rehoboth 302-227-5620.
Six-week support group for those 18 years and over who are suffering the loss of a life partner. This group will allow the participants to give and receive support and understanding through the exploration of the meaning and process of grief and loss and regain a sense of balance and direction in their lives. Facilitator will be Sally Packard, Grief Counselor.

Grief Connection Luncheons
Every Thursday at 12:00 Noon; location varies each week. No registration required, but there is a minimal cost for lunch. Call Vicki Costa, Assoc. Director of the Family Support Center, 302-856-7717, x1129.
The Grief Connection Luncheons are an informal way to meet others and share your grief with those who have had a similar loss experience.

Dr. Judy’s Lunch Bunch Lecture Series: a Family Support Center Outreach
The first Friday of each month, 12 to 1:30 pm (lunch provided); Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, in the Community Conference Room. Admission is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required due to limited seating by calling Vicki Costa, Associate Director of the Family Support Center, 302-856-7717, x1129. Facilitator: Dr. Judy Pierson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Topics presented revolve around caregiving, bereavement, self-help, and general interest. May 1st will be “How to manage guilt when mourning the death of a loved one,” and June 5th, “Soothing and caring for the self (self care, meditation, relaxation).”

Expressive Art – Children’s Grief Workshop: a Family Support Center Outreach
Saturday, April 25, 10 – 12:00 Noon; Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, in the Community Conference Room.
Admission is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required due to limited seating by calling Vicki Costa, Assoc. Director of the Family Support Center, 302-856-7717, x1129. Facilitators: Lorraine Hudson, Artist, and Lezley Sexton, Counselor.
Children often find it easier to express their feelings of grief through artwork rather than by talking. Each child will complete an art project while learning about what is normal when grieving or missing a loved one.

“Remembering our Mothers” Breakfast Workshop: a Family Support Center Outreach
Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 - 12:00 Noon; Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, in the Family Support Center. Admission is free and open to the public. Pre-registration required due to limited seating by calling Vicki Costa, Assoc. Director of the Family Support Center, 302-856-7717, x1129.
The loss of a mother can leave a large void. This workshop will help us remember and celebrate the mothers who guided and shaped our lives.

Caregiver Retreat: a Family Support Center Outreach
Saturday, May 16, from 10 – 3 pm, Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, in the Family Support Center. Admission is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required by calling Vicki Costa, Assoc. Director of the Family Support Center, 302-856-7717, x1129.
Spending time with others who know what you are “going through” helps your healing. When someone understands us, the intense feelings of being alone and misunderstood begin to fade.

About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 30,000 patients and their families. Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible. Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit our website, www.delawarehospice.org.