Healing Patch Children's Grief Program

10/13/2026

Please share with those who may be interested in attending. 💙💜

Registration is open for our International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day event on Saturday, Nov. 21.

This free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Healing Patch Children's Grief Program and is open to adult su***de loss survivors in Blair, Cambria, and surrounding counties. Lunch by Catered Affairs will be provided.

During the event, participants will watch a short documentary created for and about su***de loss survivors, take part in facilitated discussion, and have an opportunity to create a memorial activity honoring those who have died.

For many survivors, this day can provide a meaningful reminder that they are not alone in their grief.

One past participant said, “International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day was a way for me to feel connected to a community that truly understands me in a way almost no one else in my life does.” ❤

Please share with those who you think might be interested in attending. Registration is open through Friday, Nov. 13.

Register Here: https://altoona-pennsylvania.isosld.afsp.org/

10/12/2026

✨💙Volunteer Spotlight 💙✨

Today, we introduce you to Terri Primack, a volunteer with the Healing Patch since 2023.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please reach out to Shalen Steinbugl, Volunteer Coordinator/Grief Specialist at [email protected] and/or visit our website here: https://homenursingagency.com/services/healing-patch/volunteer/

10/09/2026

We are excited to be back in local classrooms providing Grief Education in the Classroom to 7th, 8th, or 9th grade students. This school year, we have already visited Hollidaysburg, Blacklick Valley, and most recently Tussey Mountain (pictured).

We are looking forward to upcoming presentations at Central Cambria, Bellwood-Antis, and Northern Bedford County School District.

These presentations help students better understand grief, foster empathy, and remind young people they are not alone.

Learn more about our school-based services:
https://homenursingagency.com/services/healing-patch/school-services/

09/28/2026

Join in on the fun for EVERYONE! Live music, basket raffle, food/drinks, kids play/craft area with all the proceeds benefitting the Healing Patch Children's Grief Program. Admission is $5.00 for adults and free for kids. Free if you purchase an event t-shirt.

09/27/2026

It was a great night at Decades Club! Thank you Home Nursing Agency Foundation and all who supported this fundraiser! A shout out to Hymie, Altoona's Ambassador and Craig Stevens for the generous donation to the Healing Patch! 💙

09/24/2026

🎄❤️ The holiday season can be especially difficult for grieving families. The Healing Patch's Family Holiday Grief Workshop offers a supportive space for families to explore their feelings, connect with one another, explore coping skills, and create meaningful holiday remembrance items in honor of their significant person.

If your family could benefit from extra support this holiday season, please contact Melody Ray at [email protected] to register. Pre-registration is required. A special thanks to the Luke Patton Memorial Foundation for funding this workshop.

09/23/2026

We are honored to once again be hosting this very meaningful event for those who have lost someone to su***de. Please spread the word!

Registration is now open for our International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day event on Saturday, Nov. 21.

This free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Healing Patch Children's Grief Program and is open to adult su***de loss survivors in Blair, Cambria, and surrounding counties. Lunch by Catered Affairs will be provided.

During the event, participants will watch a short documentary created for and about su***de loss survivors, take part in facilitated discussion, and have an opportunity to create a memorial activity honoring those who have died.

For many survivors, this day can provide a meaningful reminder that they are not alone in their grief.

One past participant said, “International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day was a way for me to feel connected to a community that truly understands me in a way almost no one else in my life does.” ❤

Please share with those who you think might be interested in attending. Registration is open through Friday, Nov. 13.

Register Here: https://altoona-pennsylvania.isosld.afsp.org/

09/21/2026

Read our latest newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/upmc/healingpatchsept2026

Make sure to hit the Subscribe button in the top left corner to receive future emails! We don't send too many 😉

09/15/2026

Thank you to Tina Karl and Vanessa Weakland for volunteering at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center’s Su***de Prevention Walk today!

09/13/2026

The Blair County Out of the Darkness Walk is always a beautiful reminder that no one has to walk through grief alone.

The Healing Patch was honored to facilitate the closing ceremony activity, where participants decorated rocks in memory of their significant person(s).

A special thank you to our volunteers Jessica, Vanessa, and Sherry for connecting with attendees and helping with the activity. We’re also grateful to Shannon and her friend Lee for sharing Shannon’s children’s book, Let Your Heart-Light Shine, and for creating a meaningful place for the decorated rocks to remain at Legion Park.

Shannon previously installed a Wind Phone at the park, offering a special space for people to pick up the phone and “talk” to someone they are missing. The rocks from today’s walk can now be placed beneath the Wind Phone, creating a lasting memorial to those who are loved and remembered. 🩵 💜