Hospice group offers support system

The loss of a loved one can be difficult, but the journey through hard times does not have to be made alone.

Hospice of the Valley hosted a Craft ‘N Chat session July 20 for those who have lost the ones. Bereavement Facilitator Kim Calhoun said the purpose of the session is to give grievers a support system of individuals who are experiencing the same feelings.

“Whether you are laughing or crying, the group embraces you,” she explained. “Everyone is at a different point on their grievance journey, but everyone in the group can relate.”

Hospice of the Valley has been serving residents of the Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties since 1979. All services provided by hospice are free of charge.

Poland resident Dar Emerson is a regular at Craft ‘N Chat. He gives away the crafts he makes with the group to nursing home residents as gifts. Though Emerson enjoys the free coffee, cake and art lesson, he keeps coming back for the socialization aspect of the group.

“We’ve got everything in common,” he said. “We’re all in the same boat.”

The next Craft ‘N Chat will be Aug. 17 at Hospice of the Valley, in Poland, beginning at 1 p.m. Hospice also offers programs for grieving children. For information on bereavement groups and activities, contact Calhoun at 330-788-1992.