Coping With the Holidays

The holiday season can be a particularly painful time for people after the death of a loved one or friend. To help families better cope with the holidays in the face of personal sorrow and loss, the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County is hosting a "Coping with the Holidays" program on November 15, 2009 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Ivy Tech Community College, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive in Valparaiso.

Greg Yoder, MC, LPC, CT, published author, composer, and national speaker on issues of grief and loss, will offer an interactive program to help families and friends learn to cope with the loss of a loved one, especially during the holiday season. After the program, attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments and share personal stories and experiences with others if they wish.

The program provides an affirming and accepting atmosphere, allowing those who are grieving the opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions or not, as they choose. Mr. Yoder provides the attendees with ideas and coping mechanisms they might use as they experience the holiday season without their loved one.

In addition, Greg will provide a program for professional caregivers on Monday, November 16 at 1:30 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd in Valparaiso. The program, "The Art of Companioning and the Gift of Restraint" will help professionals bring a respectful, non-judgmental presence to the dying while liberating them from self-imposed or popular expectations to say or do the right thing.

Both programs are offered free of charge, thanks to the support of sponsors including: Ivy Tech Community College; Angelcrest, Inc. & The Moeller Family; Dykes Funeral Home; Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home; Geisen Funeral Home; Pruzin Brothers Funeral Services; Immanuel Lutheran Church; St. Paul Catholic Church; Fast Coffee and Naturel Water; Costas Coffee Company; Country Inn & Suites, and Family Express.

Please RSVP no later than November 13th to the VNA at (219) 531-8051 or by email at dfrazier@vnaportercounty.org.