New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Fragile Footprints Program, sponsored by Jordan Hospital and Cranberry Hospice and Palliative Care, is seeking volunteers to help families across Southeastern Massachusetts. This program is part of the Massachusetts Pediatric Care Network and is designed to complement existing services to meet the needs of eligible children with life-limiting illness and their families by helping the parents identify resources and fill unmet needs. Children, their siblings, schools and other health care providers are supported by a compassionate, specially trained team of pediatricians, nurses, social workers, child life specialists, volunteers, spiritual care and complimentary therapy practitioners.
When a parent hears the news that their child is seriously ill and may not live until adulthood, the world stops. Normal routines give way to days filled with emergency rooms, specialists and demanding care needs. Family life is complicated by visits to multiple specialists and complex treatment schedules. The constant emotional, spiritual and financial challenges can be overwhelming. That’s when you can help.
Our volunteers provide support in a variety of ways, all of which are requested by the family unit of care for the child on service. By providing transportation, helping with errands, preparing a family meal, spending some quality time with the sibling or lending an ear to a caregiver who just needs to talk are a few examples of the role that you could play. We also recognize the value of Complimentary Therapy and utilize Reiki, Healing Touch, Reflexology, Massage Therapy, Soothing Music and Pet Therapy.
In order to volunteer with us, special training is required and provided by our team. Our next class is scheduled to begin in our Plymouth office on Monday, March 19th. We are also working with the Schwartz Center for Children in Dartmouth to offer training your area. If you are interested in becoming a part of this care team, please don’t hesitate to call Karen Foster, Volunteer Coordinator for Cranberry Hospice and Fragile Footprints at 508-830-2762 or email kfoster@jordanhospital.org. I would look forward to having a conversation with you and to explore the opportunity of volunteering with us in your future.
