PORT ANGELES — Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County is offering a free online grief support group and volunteer orientation sessions in May.
Enrollment in the grief support sessions, set for 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays from May 2 to June 6, will be limited to allow for more sharing of feelings and experiences, organizers say, so they encourage those interested to pre-register soon at 360-452-1511 to receive a link to the Zoom sessions.
Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) is hosting volunteer orientations for those interested in learning more about the group or who want to volunteer.
May sessions are scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 5, on Zoom and at 829 E. Eighth St. in Port Angeles on Friday, May 6.
Registration is required by calling 360-452-1511 or emailing to vsm@vhocc.org.
Not all volunteers spend time with patients; there are open positions at the reception desk, at the Lending Closet, and delivering medical equipment in the Port Angeles area using VHOCC vehicles.
A computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone with microphone and camera is necessary to take part in the online grief group.
“We are committed to confidentiality to help create an atmosphere of safety, trust and acceptance,” group organizers said.
Longtime volunteer Donna Geer will facilitate the group. She has a professional coaching certification, is an advisor to veteran students at Peninsula College and the owner of Shore Pine Productions.
“Her experiences with death and dying have helped her appreciate the importance of providing a safe place to talk about the death of a loved one,” VHOCC representatives said.
Since 1978, VHOCC has provided free hospice services to patients and their families in Clallam County from Diamond Point to Joyce.
Services include end-of-life nursing care, loans of medical equipment and supplies, education programs, grief support groups, one-on-one bereavement services and practical workshops on life after loss.
Grief support groups are offered not only to families of hospice patients but also to anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a loved one.
To learn more about Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, visit VHOCC.org, search for VHOCC on Facebook, or call 360-452-1511.