6/8/2016 Are you compassionate? Can you dedicate two evenings a month to help grieving children and their families? You can make a difference by volunteering at Home Nursing Agency’s Healing Patch: A Program for Loss and Hope for Grieving Children and Their Families. 

Volunteers are the heart of the Healing Patch, which is a free peer support program for children of preschool age through 18 years. While volunteers must understand they are unable to “fix” what has happened, volunteers are able to help bring hope and healing back into the life of a child.

The Healing Patch serves families throughout the region from centers in Altoona and Ebensburg. Volunteers are currently needed for both locations. Training begins July 12.

“As a Healing Patch volunteer, I’m continually impressed with the quality of the program and how well it is received by the participants,” shares Janie Christner, HNA vice president of home health and Healing Patch volunteer. “I’m humbled to be part of it. The focus on various age groupings really puts each child where they need to be in order to feel safe and openly share their thoughts in an accepting environment.”

Michelle Wysong, AIDS Intervention Project Case Manager, and Healing Patch volunteer, says, "It is an honor to be a part of the lives of the families we serve and share in their healing journey. For me, it is most rewarding to see the positive impact this program has on children-it allows them to open up and just be real about how they feel in a safe environment. I also love seeing the connections they make with one another, knowing they are not alone."

New volunteers have thorough training before taking responsibilities at group meetings. After training is completed, the time commitment for volunteers is two evenings per month from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Volunteer roles include group facilitator, greeter and food server, and volunteers are also needed for sewing projects and special programs.

Healing Patch volunteers must be at least 21 years old. The application process must be complete to participate in the training that begins July 12. 

If you have a heart to help grieving children and families in your community, simply complete the volunteer application online here or contact Melody Ray, Healing Patch volunteer coordinator, at 1-800-445-6262, ext. 7216, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Home Nursing Agency Healing Patch volunteers in Ebensburg pause for a photo after helping grieving children/families create a quilt square or pillowcase in memory of their loved ones who died. Pictured from left are Beth Burkhart, Vicki Patrick, Monica Klatt, Regis Schall, Martha Criste and Maria Brown (kneeling). Volunteers are vital to the Healing Patch, which provides free services to grieving children and their families.