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News |
Pittsburgh Chapter News
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In Memorium
Shirley Newbould’s sister, Marlene Schmoutz, died on April 25, 2008. Shirley
joined TCF when her daughter, Joy A. Henderson, age 30 died in an airplane crash
in September, 1994. Shirley would like to receive cards from her TCF friends at
1232 Cloverfield Drive, Pgh., PA. 15227.
Thanks to:
At this time we want to give a big “thank you” to Cindy Rideout for
graciously volunteering to do the home meetings for the West area, but due to
lack of attendance and a facilitator she has resigned.
We welcome Patricia & Gary Otto for volunteering to be area leaders in the North
area, which comprises Allison Park, Gibsonia, Wexford, Mars, Zelienople and all
other surrounding areas in the north. There is a big demand in the northern area
for home meetings. If you would be interested in attending a meeting in the
north, please call Patricia and Gary Otto at 724-453-1001.
SUICIDE There
is a new suicide survivors group under the Westmoreland County Health Asssoc.
They meet in Greensburg, PA the 1st Tuesday of each month. Further information,
call 724-834-6351 |
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New Members
We welcome the
new
friends who have attended their first Compassionate Friends meeting recently. We
are truly sorry that you have to experienced the death of your child, sibling or
grandchild. We sincerely hope that we will be able to offer you some understanding
and support. You are not required to talk unless you fell you have something you
would like to share with us about your child.
Please
try to come at least THREE or FOUR meetings so that we can offer you help and hope:
REMEMBER
- YOU NEED NOT WALK ALONE!!!
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Compassionate Employer Recognition
Award
TCF is eager to recognize
employers who have shown a high degree of compassion to families that have experienced
the death of a child. Nominations for the 2006 Compassionate Employer Recognition
(CER) awards must be received via the online form or postmarked by midnight EST
November 30, 2005. Recognized employers will be announced in February 2006. A copy
of nomination form can be obtained from the Compassionate Friends website at
www.thecompassionatefriends.org or by calling the national office.
Faith Savasta, a member
of our TCF - Pittsburgh Chapter since February 2, 1993, when her daughter,
Faith Ann died in a car accident. Faith nominated her employer, Sewickley Valley
Hospital, for the Compassionate Employer Recognition Award. The National TCF Committee
recognized 31 organizations across the USA for this award. Dave Golebiwski, one
of our co-leaders of the TCF Pittsburgh chapter and as a representative fro the
National office and on behalf of Faith, presented the Employer Recognition Award
to Sewickley Valley Hospital on June 23, 2005 for being a fine example where the
workers are treated as individuals and not just numbers.
Dave, in the presentation
of the Award, said, "Such an event goes against the natural order of life whereby
a parent nurtures a child into adulthood to carry on in the world. Once of the most
difficult situations being a newly bereaved parent is returning to the workplace.
Many employers will provide 3 to 5 days of bereavement leave and then expect a person
to work and be back to their old selves." Faith is one of the few bereaved parents
who have received support and understanding from her employer and co-workers. She
stated "I am forever grateful to the Administration and employees of Sewickley Valley
Hospital. Without the empathy, compassionate support and patience of these people,
I would not be where I am today - a person who has gained strength of character,
perseverance, resiliency, gentleness, empathy and compassion."
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Volunteers needed
We are in need of volunteers to be Area Leaders to
facilitate the home meetings at the respective areas. The meetings are informal
in nature in a home setting. Attendance averages six to approximately 12.
Ron and Mannie Taimutty-Loomis had graciously offered their home and to be the North
Leaders but due to illness, have had to resign. Len and Anne have been leaders for
many years and would like to pass this opportunity on to someone else. Home
meetings provide an opportunity to meet many wonderful people and especially to
help you feel you are not alone. If you need any information, please call Anne Baklarz.
We will be there to train you and to help explain everything.
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Facilitator Training Program
We will be hosting a facilitator training workshop
at our Sunday meeting, September 25th by Betty Robinson. If you have been bereaved
and grieving for more than a year and if you are willing to help lead our sharing
groups a few months out of the year, please consider attending. If you are not sure
you are ready yet, come and see what you learn, and you can decide later if facilitating
is for you.
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United Way Contributors Choice Contributions
The Compassionate Friends is an "eligible agency" and
we can, therefore, receive direct designations through the United Way Contributors
Choice Campaign.
Our Code number is 2647.
Please write this number on the pledge
card, along with your name and signature. The name "Compassionate Friends" or our
ID Number 2647 may not be printed on the pledge card. So, please check in order
to get credit for your much needed gifts. If you contribute to United Way in a different
county, please make sure when they send the check to us that they include your name
and the number "2647" so that it does not go into the anonymous contributions.
We also participate in the Combined Federal Campaign
(CFC) and our campaign number is "9316". all gifts for either campaign are most
appreciated.
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