News

New Virtual Program for Teens Experiencing Issues Due to Loss

March 19, 2021

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Kristin Mostowski, Director of Public Relations | Community Hospice | Kristin.Mostowski@hospiceheart.org | 209.578.6301
 
Community Hospice Offers New Virtual Quaran-Teen Challenge Program
 
MODESTO, CA (March 19, 2021) –Community Hospice Grief Support Services Department is pleased to introduce Quaran-Teen Challenge a new virtual program for teens, ages 13-17, who are experiencing issues due to loss.
 
During this time of tremendous uncertainty due to the COVID-19 public health emergency crisis, many have mourned with teens and other kids who have missed out on milestones and events. Parents and friends have shown creativity and adapted to make the best of these trying times by offering drive-by graduations and online celebrations. In some spaces however, you can find voices diminishing those grieving losses of events, hopes, or plans as unimportant or insignificant because someone did not die. Whether it is a stranger commenting on an online news story or a beloved grandparent, those kinds of comments can sting.
 
“For many kids, specifically teens, this type of message suggests that their feelings and emotions are invalid and should not be expressed, which is opposite of what should be happening. Instead, we should be listening and offering reassurance and acceptance of our young people. In place of the push to get things back to “normal” while the pandemic continues, it is important to take the time to validate their emotions,” shared Karina Castillo, LCSW, Community Hospice Children’s Grief Program Manager. “We all crave normalcy but with nothing normal, it’s hard for everyone, especially kids, to cope.”
 
Being an adolescent during normal times can be trying enough for many teens. Not only are teens adjusting to the normal physical changes of puberty, high school social pressures, and growing homework loads, they now are faced with additional stress presented by the public health emergency crisis, civil distress and the political strife that surrounds us all. As a result, teens may be feeling more stressed out, overwhelmed, anxious, angry or even depressed from the losses they have endured. If you or a teen you know needs support, Quaran-Teen Challenge is your safe place to hang out and get help.
 
Quaran-Teen Challenge, facilitated by trained grief support staff, is an eight-week virtual support group hosted on Zoom. Participants will be offered education, insights and coping skills to emerge stronger and more resilient. While there is no fee to participate, registration is required to join the Quaran-Teen Challenge group. The next group begins March 25, 2021 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to register call 209.578.6318.  
 
About Community Hospice
Community Hospice is the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley. Serving the community since 1979, Community Hospice has cared for thousands of friends and neighbors, embracing individuals and families facing life-changing journeys, enhancing quality of life for all. Care extends to more than 2,000 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities and at the 16-bed inpatient Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community. For more information, call 209.578.6300 or visit hospiceheart.org.