CaringMatters

Are you interested in volunteering with CaringMatters but have limited availability? If so, this is a great opportunity for you! Just Rides Volunteer Driver Training, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 9:30am - 12:30pm CaringMatters, 518 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD Volunteers will be trained on how to support CaringMatters patients who are in need of transportation to and from doctor's appointments, medical treatments, social service appointments and grocery/pharmacy trips. A commitment of 2-4 rides per month is required and volunteers must have their own car. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old.  If you are interested in attending or for more information, please contact Amy Fier, Senior Director of Patient & Caregiver Services at 301-869-4673 ext. 117 or amyf@caringmatters.org.

Thank you to GROWS (Grass Roots Organization for the Well Being of Seniors) for inviting Allison Stearns, CaringMatters CEO, to present and participate in their “Compassionate Conversations” program, hosted by Montgomery Village Health Care Center, with fellow panelists, Ilene Gruber of Heartland Hospice Services and Maria Kaplan of JSSA. Allison was proud to share her deeply personal and professional experience with hospice and palliative care in Montgomery County. Programs and panel discussions like these are so important in helping everyone understand available options and resources that can truly make a difference, both to the patient and to the family. At CaringMatters, our work revolves around compassionate support for people experiencing serious illness or approaching end-of-life, as well as for families facing caregiving challenges or grieving the loss of a loved one. We appreciate the work of GROWS as they foster collaboration and cultivate more discussions about how we, as a community, can come together to provide compassionate support and accessible, quality palliative and hospice care to everyone in need. #hospiceservices #palliativesupport #seniors #compassionatecare

Please join CaringMatters for a free webinar on a very interesting subject, "Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Extending Compassion and Whole Person Healing," Wednesday, March 27, 11am-12pm, with presenter, Mark Bates, Clinical Psychologist, Sunstone Therapies. Information and registration: https://lnkd.in/eQZuKVQ People living with serious illness or approaching end-of-life often experience anxiety and depression despite evidence-based counseling, medical interventions, and compassionate palliative care. Many medications to treat anxiety and depression cause notable side effects, take time to become effective, and may not alleviate the emotional suffering and anguish from serious illness or a terminal diagnosis. This webinar will explore the history of psychedelic drugs, research results and opportunities, available resources, and their potential to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life for those experiencing serious illness, such as cancer, or those approaching end-of-life. Participants will learn about: • The history of psychedelic drugs • The therapy process and expectations • Potential use and benefit for those with serious illness or at end-of-life • Resources, future research and opportunities to access treatment

You're Invited! Please join CaringMatters for an exclusive screening of the documentary,"Voices of Grief" at Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg next Thursday, March 7 at 10am. A panel discussion will follow the film. The event is offered free of charge. Please see flyer for details. We hope you can share with your networks and join us!

https://lnkd.in/extDkcxN

Our newest video features dedicated CaringMatters volunteers and their inspirational and impactful work in the community. Please watch and share! If you are ready to join us and make a positive difference, please register for our upcoming volunteer training session, February 27, 28 and 29, 2024 at the CaringMatters Cottage in Gaithersburg.Thank you to the talented media crew for the Montgomery County Council for producing this video. To learn more and register for our upcoming volunteer training, visit https://lnkd.in/e5iAtVM5.

Congratulations to Tashel Bordere, PhD, CT, on her new role as the President of the Board of Directors for the NACG National Alliance for Children's Grief! Dr. Bordere will be a tremendous asset for this prestigious organization. Last year, we were honored to host Dr. Bordere for an informative and profound webinar, "Suffocated Grief and Black Youth Coping with Loss." To view a recording of this webinar, visit https://lnkd.in/eXfb-dYn.

You're Invited to Join CaringMatters for a Free 2-Part Webinar Series, "Prepare for the Inevitable: Financial Planning to Prepare for the Death of a Family Member." The loss of a spouse or family member can be overwhelming. In addition to the grieving process, the surviving family must take steps to put financial affairs in order. One of the best gifts you can give your loved ones is organizing your financial affairs ahead of time. Whether you are preparing to help aging parents, or a senior citizen, this two-part webinar will show you what you’ll need and how to organize yourself to make things easier for your family. Thursday, January 11 at 6:00 p.m. (Part 1) Join expert Tamara Haskins, CPA and Financial Service Professional with New York Life, for an overview of what needs to be done in the case of a death or disabling condition in a family. Ms. Haskins will review steps to be taken (and in what order), documents you’ll need, and how to talk with family members ahead of time to prevent issues later. Tools and resources will be shared. Thursday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m. (Part 2) CaringMatters Board Member Sue DeGraba will provide a hands-on approach to getting your financial paperwork and other important information organized. Helpful resources, like the Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center, and tools to prevent financial fraud will be presented. Participants may attend one or both webinars. View information and register separately for each webinar on the CaringMatters' website:  https://lnkd.in/eQZuKVQ For questions, please contact Leigh Bluestein, leighb@caringmatters.org.

We are pleased to release our Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report, a comprehensive overview of our achievements, milestones, and ongoing initiatives. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/gBCpEAtU This report provides a glimpse into the lives we have touched and the transformative programs we have implemented throughout the year. We are proud to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing that exemplify the spirit of our organization. The work and accomplishments detailed in this report show that the organization has thrived by leveraging creativity, resilience and determination. The underlying force behind our positive impact continues to be the steadfast support of our community and the dedication of our volunteers. As a result, CaringMatters remains a strong, vibrant organization that lives up to its name and exemplifies excellence and compassion. At CaringMatters, we believe that every individual and family deserves compassionate care and support during life's most difficult moments. With your unwavering support and generosity, we have been able to touch the lives of so many individuals in Montgomery County, offering comfort, guidance, and solace. As we continue our 34th year of service, we pledge to continue providing vital services and support to those in need, expanding our reach and ensuring that no one faces these challenging life experiences alone. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey, and we look forward to your continued partnership in the years to come. Together, we can make a lasting impact and bring solace to those who need it the most.

https://lnkd.in/gb2bZfWB