Calvary Hospital announced that they have been selected among five recipients of the Hospice Foundation of America’s (HFA) first grants program. The $5,000 grant from HFA will provide critical support to Calvary’s year-round bereavement programs for school-age and teenage children, and to Camp Courageous, the Hospital’s innovative summer camp for children ages 6 through 18. The camp, which will mark its 12th session in July 2009, is open to participants of the Hospital’s children’s and teen bereavement support programs.
“In these challenging economic times, HFA is pleased to offer support to programs that are doing such vital work to support grieving young people,” said Amy Tucci, president and CEO of Hospice Foundation of America. “More than 300 organizations submitted requests for this new funding endeavor, and our grants panel was impressed by the excellent programs across the country that exist to help children and adolescents at this critical time in their lives.”
“For 20 years, Calvary’s bereavement groups have supported thousands of adults and children at a very difficult time in their lives,” said Frank A. Calamari, president and CEO. “We are grateful for HFA’s support of our efforts to help young people, many of who may have few other options in dealing with the loss of loved ones.”
In the New York metropolitan area, and especially in the Bronx and lower Westchester, Calvary has established itself as a resource for grieving families by offering free bereavement support groups for adults, children, and teens, as well as referrals for additional support as needed. Calvary support groups are available to anyone who has lost a loved one, whether or not they had a connection to the Hospital. Many are from the larger community, and have lost loved ones to illness, accident, or violence. “Precious Moments” is Calvary’s bereavement program for young children aged 6 to 11 years. It also offers teen bereavement support for 12- to 18-year-olds. To date, Calvary’s youth bereavement support groups have helped hundreds of children come to terms with grief.
