Serious Illness Program Update
The Serious Illness Program (SIP) was rolled out to the public in August 2024. Takeoff was a bit slow, but once we were able to really connect with providers and care coordinators, as well as organizations that support those who are aging and in need in our community, the referrals came in. This past year those relationships have grown even stronger with information and referrals flowing in both directions.
In the two years that SIP has been active we have directly served over 65 community members! (This doesn’t include public presentations, and consulting with folks who are looking for ideas around support for loved ones.) Without the volunteers, none of this would have been possible. SIP volunteers have been a vital part of also creating the content of the program; coming up with creative ideas, improving the training, creating offerings, insights, and activities that make for a growing and dynamic program.
One goal of the program was always to connect people in the community with others who are “in the same boat.” What I’ve come to realize is that that has become the main goal! Creating the opportunity for connection and mutual support and understanding is paramount to increasing quality of life and overall health, both physical and mental. The groups that are created and hosted by volunteers, as well as the time and services offered by volunteers is integral for increasing that quality of life.
Some of the activities and offerings have been:
Walking group
Chronic illness group
Serious illness peer support groups
Writing group
Book club
In-person art group
Zoom-only art group
Some of these have been offered many times over, some have happened only for one session but will be happening again. Some are ongoing. It’s been amazing to be able to meet with a new participant while doing an intake and be able to offer so many different ways to connect with other local folks who are also living with illness.
One program participant moved to the area about three years ago, and she let me know that almost all the strong connections she’s made in the area have been through activities that have been offered by SIP. She shared with me about how this new group of friends spend time together. She also spoke about the way they are resources for each other since meeting in the program and it just makes my heart sing.
SIP has also created, or been part of, offerings to the community at large. We had a workshop on self-advocacy in healthcare last year that has inspired a volunteer to create a subset of volunteers who will be specially trained to support program participants who are struggling with getting their needs met by the healthcare system. They will hopefully also be trained to assist with some of the administrative hurdles and paperwork that can create barriers to getting effective care. (You’ll hear more about this in the spring.)
SIP has also been part of hosting discussions, movie presentations, and information sessions for various organizations in the community.
Volunteers have been part of participants' lives in many ways. At any given time there are about 8-14 volunteers actively participating in one-on-one support for participants. Some of the volunteers have more than one person they work with, or are also running a group of some sort! Participants tell me over and over what a gift spending time with the volunteers has been.
When I am doing an intake with a new participant I am already thinking about who might be a good fit for them if they are looking for a volunteer. Part of the intake process is also assessing other ways that Center for Solace could be of service to them or the family. After an intake, there are often referrals made to our Advance Care Planning Program, our Spiritual Companion, the Bereavement Program, and sometimes Hospice. I also work with people to try and work out what other resources are available to them in the community and make those connections when appropriate. Volunteers have been an important avenue for me to learn more about what’s available and how to access it!
I’m sure there’s more that I could mention here, but my goal in writing to you all is to let you know that the program is flourishing and none of this could have transpired without each and every one of our amazing Center for Solace volunteers.
With deepest gratitude,
Eileen Glover, SIP Coordinator