Joy Greenwald, Townsquare Media
Joy Greenwald, Townsquare Media
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Cheyenne Regional Medical Center’s hospice bereavement program is offering free workshops to help adults and children cope with grief during the holiday season and into the new year.

“Those who are grieving a loss often face challenges through the holiday season. Many experience fear or wonder if they’ll have the energy to cope,” said Jennifer Barnthouse, CRMC’s hospice bereavement counselor and coordinator. “Some feel pressured to smile when they want to cry, while others may consider skipping the holiday season altogether.”

All workshops are free and will be held at the Davis Hospice Center, 6000 Sycamore Rd. Preregistration is required by the day before each workshop by emailing Jennifer.barnthouse@crmcwy.org or calling 307-633-7014.

The first workshop, Hope for the Holidays, is for adults and will be held on November 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Participants will receive practical hints for preparing for the holidays, will reflect on their loss and will honor the memory of their loved one with an activity of remembrance.

The second workshop is for children ages 6-18 years and their caregivers. It will be held on December 10, 1 to 4 p.m.  Participants will be able to share and receive support, have a chance to reflect on their loss and will participate in several age-appropriate activities to honor the memory of their loved one. This workshop is funded with a grant from the CRMC Foundation.

The last workshop is for adults and will focus on helping participants process their grief by reflecting and writing. This workshop will be held on January 23, 5 to 7 p.m., and will be facilitated by hospice volunteer and professional writer and speaker Pennie Hunt. No writing experience is required to participate.

“The workshops are designed to create a space for anyone who is grieving to reflect, honor and cope during the holiday season and to also acknowledge grief and transform it into a renewed sense of energy and hopefulness as we enter the new year,” Barnthouse said.

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