About Bereavement Service
Good Samaritan Hospice’s (GSH) Bereavement Service team supports those who are grieving by providing connective programs and services for up to 13 months after the death of your loved one. Grief can be an experience that feels very lonely, but with our assistance it is a journey that you do not have to walk alone.
Our program includes the following services:
- Mailings related to grief and loss
- Phone calls from the bereavement team
- Grief support groups at multiple locations
- Supportive visits from the Bereavement Coordinator
- Referral information for counseling and support services in the community
- Youth Bereavement Care from birth to 21 years of age
- Annual Butterfly Release celebrations of life (Summer)
- Workshops
- Memorial Services (Spring)
- 1:1 short-term individualized support
Get More Information About Bereavement Services
Current/Upcoming Grief Support Groups
Good Samaritan Hospice offers virtual groups for those who prefer the platform. These sessions can offer the same quality of relationships, guidance and healing from the comfort of one’s own home.
Virtual:
Stay tuned! More groups will be announced soon.
In-Person:
- Weekly Bereaved Parents Support Group
- Purpose: This free grief support group will be led by GSH Bereavement Coordinator Christina Reuschlein, MSW, and will focus on the unique aspects of attendees’ grief in an emotionally safe and respected space.
- Start: Tuesday, July 9, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
- Meetings: Every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
- Duration: Six weeks (through Aug. 13)
- Registration: Required by July 1. To register, call the GSH bereavement team at 1-800-720-2557.
Stay tuned! More groups will be announced soon.
Hospice Volunteer
Volunteers are always welcome and needed. All volunteers must complete a volunteer application form, per the Hospice Medicare Regulations, and receive training from the Good Samaritan Hospice staff – the amount of training depends upon the area of volunteer interest. Volunteers choose the amount of time they wish to volunteer as well as the geographical areas in which they wish to serve.
Because hospice patients have diverse needs, Good Samaritan Hospice welcomes individuals and groups (church, school, community) with varied skills. Our volunteers have been gardeners, hairstylists, artists, musicians, carpenters, quilters, housekeepers, and writers. Every special skill and talent can be used when you are a hospice volunteer.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Provide companionship and support to patients
- Give caregivers much needed breaks
- Help in our inpatient units (Wexford and Beaver)
- Run errands, light laundry, housekeeping
- Share prayer or spiritual support
- Cook or bake
- Play music or sing
- Visit with a therapy pet
- Provide massage therapy
- Help patients write or tell their life stories
- Assist staff with administrative tasks and special events
Once the application opens in a new window you can either:
- Print and mail the completed application to 116 Browns Hill Road, Suite 100, Valencia, PA, 16059, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator.
- Print, complete, scan, and email the completed application to our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@good-samaritanhospice.org. OR
- Fax a completed application to us at 724-933-8844.
For more information, please fill out the form below or call the Volunteer Coordinator at 724-933-8888 or toll-free at 1-800-720-2557.
Get More Information About Hospice Volunteering
Upcoming Bereavement Events
- Aug. 18: 2024 Butterfly Release, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Rotary Shelter of the Cranberry Two Community Park.
Event dates and locations may change.
Butterfly Releases
The butterfly has long been a symbol of hope for people around the world. The caterpillar disappears into a cocoon, appearing dead to all around. Later, it emerges, having transformed into something more beautiful and powerful than it was.
Early Christians adopted the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection, of Easter joy. The creature reminds us of its Creator, who sent His Son into unassuming human flesh, who died and was buried in a tomb, who rose again, and who promises life to all who trust in Him. The butterfly is a natural testimony to us of Jesus’ words, “Because I live, you shall also live.” (John 14:19b)
Our annual Butterfly Release, hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia, represents some of the many bereavement support services designed to guide the patient’s family and friends through the challenges of grief as they adjust to loss.
Related Bereavement Service Content
The Importance of Grief and Youth Bereavement Care | Podcast
Concordia Events: 2022 Year in Review