COMMUNITY SERVICES

Community Education

Healing Patch staff can speak on a variety of topics related to loss, grief, death, and dying. These educational presentations can be customized as requested for Rotary organizations, Kiwanis Clubs, Parent-Teacher Organizations, and other civic or community groups. Please contact Healing Patch staff to coordinate.

Lending Library

The Healing Patch offers an extensive library of more than 400 grief-related resources that are available to anyone in the community. Complete this form or contact Shalen Steinbugl, Volunteer Coordinator/Grief Specialist, at 814-947-7140 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to borrow any of the resources in our library. A list of available resources is shared here.

Children's Bereavement Cards

Sending a card to someone who is grieving the death of a loved one is a tangible way to show care and concern. Cards for adults can be found at many stores, but cards for children are much harder to access. Healing Patch participants contributed artwork and messages for the creation of the card designs (samples below) that be accessed here to print.

 

 

 

FAMILY GRIEF WORKSHOP FORMS

Thank you for your interest in attending a Family Grief Workshop hosted by the Healing Patch Children's Grief Program. The workshop is an opportunity for your family to engage in meaningful activities, many of which are arts and crafts based to help with the grief process. 

The next workshop will be held on Sunday, August 24th from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the UPMC Outpatient Building, 152 Zeman Dr., Ebensburg. Space is limited. Please pre-register before completing the forms below by contacting Healing Patch staff Melody Ray at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (814) 947-7200.

Prior to completing the workshop application/authorization, we ask that you please review the following agreements. Completing the application is acknowledgement that you have reviewed and agree to the agreements below.

1. A caregiver is required to attend the workshop with the child(ren) and is responsible for the supervision of the child(ren).
2. We will respect the confidentiality of the other grief workshop members' information that is shared. 
3. If any family members' behaviors are disruptive to the grief workshop process, I understand we may be asked to leave. 
4. I understand that the workshop is not therapy or counseling and will be led by a grief professional and trained volunteers. 

Please take a moment to complete the forms below.

Family Grief Workshop Application 

Consent for Photos* | Print Version (If preferred, please print and bring completed form with you.)
*Each adult attending the group must complete a separate Consent for Photos authorization. Child(ren) need to be reflected in only one form.

 

YOUNG ADULT GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

In Pennsylvania, more than 580,000 young adults (aged 18-25) are bereaved after the loss of a parent or sibling.* The impact of those who have lost a grandparent, aunt/uncle, or other significant person is even greater. When a significant person dies, a young adult’s life is turned upside down. Life’s responsibilities of work, college, or other commitments continue as though nothing has changed, but for a grieving young adult, everything has changed.

Research indicates that bereavement can put young adults at higher risk for decreased academic performance, maladaptive behaviors, and psychological distress. These challenges are often made worse when coping resources are inadequate. The Healing Patch seeks to equip young adults with appropriate resources, including a safe environment for grieving young adults to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Peer Support Group

Young adults can choose to join in the meal and opening circle with other Healing Patch participants before breaking into age-specific groups. Young adults (aged 18-25) gather in their own room with specially trained volunteers. Volunteers facilitate discussion for young adults to share their experiences and emotions related to the death and grief. By relating to others who are also grieving, young adults can find that hope and healing are possible. Groups are held two Tuesday evenings each month from October through May at the Healing Patch center at 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona.

Enrollment

Enrollment may happen any time after the loss occurs. To enroll, simply call 1-800-445-6262 and ask for Healing Patch.

1-Suzanne Kozeiel

2-Bobbi Castelluci

3-Rick Hettinger

4-Ashley Plunket

5-Shirley Zitzlsperger

6-Melvin Marlett

7-Bob Pennington

8-Dana Fogal

9-Melissa Calderwood

10-Tracy Thompson

11-Paul McAleer

12-Bob Pennington

13-Sharon Green

14-Linda Stotler

15-Dave Helsel

16-Tony Roefaro

17-Stephanie Roefaro

18-Tony Roefaro

19-Ashley Plunkett

20-Cristal Lidwell

21-Ashley Plunket

22-Mayleigh Ritchey

23-Christine Bollman

24-Lori Zatek

25-Ashley Plunkett

26-Emily Proffitt

27-Karen Rhinehart

28-Julia Glunt

29-Don Corl

30-Ashley Plunket

31-Paul McAleer

32-Christine Bollman

33-Shawn Jones

34-Dave + April

35-Tony Roefaro

36-Jen Noel

37-Tia Brown

38-Dave + April

39-Curtis Harclerode

40-Paul McAleer

41-Nick Castellucci

42-Tony Roefaro

43-Selma Caskey

44-Paul McAleer

45-Sarah McAdam

46-Bev Hicks

47-Summer Tomlinsm

48-Livi Helsel

49-Andrew Nguyen

50-Donna Meiser

51-Patrick Gourn

52-Christine Bollman

53-Kim Helsel

54-Luke Mickle

55-Tony Roefaro

56-Ashley Plunkett

57-Elaine Decker

58-Selma Caskey

59-Paul McAleer

60-Abby Harker

61-Christine Bollman

62-Bev Hicks

63-Colleen Deleo

64-Rob Kaminski

65-Don Corl

66-Katie Hall

67-Tawonde Snyder

68-Steven Galo

69-Dave + April

70-Paul McAleer

71-Kim Helsel

72-Jack Pecherski

73-Julia Glunt

74-Paul McAleer

75-Emily Proffitt

76-Michelle Miller

77-Bernice Finder

78-Candace Cicero

79-Abby Harker

80-Don Buday

81-Tony Roefaro

82-Lexi Roefaro

83-Bobbi Castelluci

84-Tony Roefaro

85-Tony Roefaro