Page 29 - Life_In_Naples_December_2018

Loss Magnified During

the Holiday Season

any of us have not been Avow’s website (avowcares.org) also contains a comprehensive
strangers to grief and list offering Grieving Support Resources in Collier County.
loss this year - having Another link to this guide is at: http://www.safehealthychildren.
M weathered the intensely org/grieving-support-resources/
personal mourning which accompanies Avow has served our community for 35 years in the areas of
the death of a loved one, perhaps in hospice care, non-hospice palliative care, grief support, caregiver
the aftermath of an extended - or support, veterans services and children’s services. Perhaps you know
unexpected - illness of a family member someone who needs their support. Or perhaps you want to lend a
or friend. Still others may know those hand? Non-emergency inquiries can be directed to the organization
who suffered in the wake of Hurricanes online (through a “Contact Us” tab) or call 239.261.4404.
Florence then Michael; the wildfires in Noted author Martha Whitmore Hickman, who wrote
by Karen Coney Coplin
California, or the devastating, multiple “Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through
gun violence tragedies throughout our nation. Grief ” (after the death of her teen daughter), stated that all of us,
As hard as these experiences and losses are on any given day, children and adults, must deal with grief honestly, “experiencing
those stricken with grief feel a sense of loss magnified during its pain and anger for as long as we need to. Then and only then
the holiday season. Christmas and the observance of Chanukah will we be able to incorporate the meaning of our loss into our
highlight a time in which so many around us are preparing for festive lives, and move ahead.” If you have questions or need support,
gatherings. This celebratory “vibe” can be particularly challenging, AvowCares and AvowKids can be on that mindful journey.
more so if this time of year is a “first” without a loved one near.
Avow Cares is a local not-for-profit organization which offers For comments or suggestions with future topics for this column, please
services to those experiencing the aftermath of loss, during the email: NaplesKCC@gmail.com or DM @naplesbythenumbers
holidays and year-round. Part of its mission is summarized thus:
“You matter... Avow cares. When you’re challenged by illness,
caregiving or loss, Avow is here to offer you loving care and
professional guidance.” Of note, the organization has expanded WAYS YOU CAN HELP
AVOW CARES AND
services to attend to the mental health and well-being of our
youngest Life in Naples residents, serving children as young as 5 in AVOW KIDS:
programs overseen by Avow Kids.
The Avow campus has created a “grief cave” for children to
use as needed, with soft lighting, music (via headphones), and art
stations. This serves our local children and teens up to age 17.
Teachers or counselors can make a referral on behalf of a student, 1. Have a book drive in your neighborhood, clubhouse, or
or a student can make a self-referral. workplace. The Children’s Library is growing and needs
An inaugural “Camp MendingHeart” retreat took place this donations of new (and gently used) books suitable for
past November (Nov. 30 - Dec. 2). The weekend overnight camp young ones & young adults-to-be.
participants ranged in ages from 7 to 15; and was facilitated by 2. Volunteer your time, ear, hands, talents. Patient visits?
Avow bereavement professionals. Help AvowCares at events. Bereavement outreach.
Regular therapeutic programs at Avow Kids include those There is a “High Needs” alert for hairdressers, singers,
overseen by a Certified Music Therapist as well as a Mastered animal therapy (PAWS) volunteers, and, Veterans
Prepared Art Therapist. They work with children and teens in program assistance.
settings apart from traditional counseling and Licensed Clinical 3. Donate! All contributions are tax deductible. There is a
Social Workers are also on staff to assist in that vein. donate “button” on line or contact AvowCares by phone.
A major point to underscore is that there is no charge for the The Treasures resale shop also needs gently used items
Avow Kids programs. This enables all families to be served as for resale as well as volunteer workers.
children overcome the challenges of loss.

Life in Naples | December 2018 29