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Please enjoy this newest edition of VNA E-News. |
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Fatherhood in Vermont
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As the father of four boys and a teacher of parenting classes for dads, Josh Miller believes strongly that it's important for dads to be active in the lives of their children.
"The role of dads in their children's lives has been downplayed and we need to redefine what that role is," says Josh. "It's important for dads to value themselves as parents and also for service providers and anyone who works with families to value dads as much as they do moms."
Josh works as a parent educator for VT Dads at the VNA Family Room where he helps to provide free support to dads and their families. Josh is also a member of the Vermont Fatherhood Initiative.
The Vermont Fatherhood Initiative's mission is to provide father education and support around the state. This group is currently getting ready to apply for nonprofit status, and is planning their fourth annual statewide conference on responsible fathering.
One of the goals of this group is to encourage more programs like this for dads around the state and become a statewide resource for fathers and agencies that provide services to families.
Currently, there are few programs in Vermont that address fatherhood. The VNA Family Room VT Dads where Miller works has been recognized as a statewide model.
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A Weekend of Healing
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 During the last weekend in May, we hosted 14 bereaved Vermont families at our 18th annual Camp Knock Knock, our VNA weekend family bereavement camp held at YMCA's Camp Abnaki in North Hero. The rain held off during the weekend, so we were able to offer a variety of activities, including the launching of our message-carrying balloon, recreational games, two parades, build a bear, hip hop dancing, face painting, and arts and crafts.
We also scheduled time for small bereavement groups for children, teens and adults to discuss and process their individual losses and experience of grief. Burlington Taiko Drummers and Murph, the Physical Comedian provided entertainment.
Camp began as a collaborative effort between the Junior League of the Champlain Valley and the VNA's End-of-Life Care Services. The camp is able to be held every year, thanks to financial support from local organizations, community donations and the support of our many volunteers who help with all aspects of camp.
Learn more about the camp, refer a family, or become a volunteer. Call Ally Parker, Grief and Bereavement Coordinator, at 860-4410, ext. 3405.
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Advance Care Planning - Put it on Your Calendar!
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In this excerpt from our latest blog entry, Coleen Wright, Madison-Deane Initiative Coordinator for the VNA shares her experiences with planning an advance directive.
Two months ago, my husband and I were determined to finally get our advance directives done after years of stalling. Each month would go by and no advanced care plan. I work in the hospice field, so the everyday reminder of death provides motivation to complete these kinds of things.
First order of business was to get a date on the calendar to talk, which took about a month to do. Yes, a month! For us, the initial challenge of setting a date was our biggest hurdle in the process. Once we got it going, it was actually a lot easier than we thought.
Do you have a plan for end of life?
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Sincerely,
Your VNA
Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
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