Several months back, I reached out to the Missing GRACE Foundation and asked how I could help with their mission. An immediate need is for Crisis Care Team Members. If you would be interested in volunteering for this meaningful and supportive work, please read the announcement below:
Dear Friends,
Missing GRACE Foundation (MGF), based in Maple Grove, has been committed to serving families in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro and surrounding areas since 2002. Our mission is to provide resources and support to families experiencing pregnancy loss, infant loss, infertility or adoption and to advocate for comprehensive, patient-focused prenatal care. Five core areas encompass the heart of the mission: Grieve, Restore, Arise, Commemorate and Educate.
An important part of fulfilling this mission is providing support to families at time of loss and beyond. When the demand for MGF support services from hospitals was greater than one or two people could handle, Crisis Teams were formed. Teams are comprised of MGF volunteers recruited and trained through the hospital and MGF. Members of the Crisis Care Team are required to be on call for a minimum of 4 days per month to provide support, education, resources and photography services to patients and their families at the time of perinatal loss. The services include, but are not limited to:
GRACE Care Basket & GRACE Care Tote Program (contains resources and mementos)
Emotional care and support during labor and following birth
GRACE Gowns & Hats made to fit babies 1lb to term
Making Memories Photo and Video for baby and family
Memorial Video and picture montage compilation on DVD
Assistance with funeral arrangements
Referrals for low cost burial and cremation providers
Grief support including follow-up calls and home visits
Referrals for conventional and alternative medical providers
If you are a bereaved parent, layperson, counselor, doula or someone who feels compelled to assist families in this way, please consider joining us for an introduction to the MGF Crisis Team. Introduction and interviews will be held on January 15th from 10:00am to 3:00pm. For approved applicants, a 3-day training session from January 20th – 22nd is required. To learn more and/or RSVP for the January 15th interview, please contact Candy at 763-497-0709 (ext. 1) and indicate your interest in serving on the Crisis Care Team. Introduction, interviews and training will be held at:
New River Medical Center
1013 Hart Boulevard
Monticello, MN 55362
With Grace,
Candy and Stephen McVicar
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
It's officially the New Year and I can't say for certain if there are any positive changes in our home. We spent New Years Day packing up the holiday decorations and trying to organize. Possibly this is a sign of our age or the need to have some downtime following the hectic pace of the holidays.
The obvious New Year connection most people make is with resolutions. Well, like most, I set goals and resolve to improve myself. Not comfortable with failure, I take time to carefully consider my resolutions before making them. Resolutions should be manageable, specific and measurable when possible. I'm willing to put forth the effort, but I need reachable goals that will contribute to a sense of accomplishment. So, this year, I resolve to...
The obvious New Year connection most people make is with resolutions. Well, like most, I set goals and resolve to improve myself. Not comfortable with failure, I take time to carefully consider my resolutions before making them. Resolutions should be manageable, specific and measurable when possible. I'm willing to put forth the effort, but I need reachable goals that will contribute to a sense of accomplishment. So, this year, I resolve to...
- Strengthen my faith (attend services on a regular basis)
- Be a supportive and loving wife
- Provide a safe and loving home for our son (Patience as a result of #1)
- Lose 20 lbs.
- Graduate from UST with my undergrad
- Find employment
- Reduce the clutter in my home - everything has a place or must go!!!
- Learn to knit/crochet (left over from 2010)
- Improve my finances (tied to #6)
- Be realistic and accepting of those things that I can and cannot control
Some of these items are vague - but they provide a framework for improving my life. Publishing them on our blog makes them real. Priorities change - but values do not. I value my faith, family and friends and everything else that makes those relationships healthy and whole.
I pray that 2011 brings health and happiness to all and the peace of mind that everything is as it should be. We control our attitude and that is all.
Peace,
Travis, Andrea & Jonathon
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