Upcoming grief support session

HONESDALE, PA — A free support group designed to help people cope with the grieving process will begin Monday, August 3 and will run every Monday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. until August 31 in the Chatlos Conference Room at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

The five-week session will provide support and focus on grief as a normal part of an individual’s transition through life.

Acknowledging that grief is a very individual process, the support group will encourage participants to explore their own solutions to the challenges of living without their loved ones and dealing with the many changes that follow a loss.

The group will provide a safe place in which individuals can sort out their feelings and share as they are able and willing. No one will be required to share or to attend all sessions, although the experience is enhanced by attending all sessions. Participants are welcome to enter or exit at any time.

Participation may be limited due to room capacity and social distancing measures. Interested attendees are encouraged to register early.

To register, visit www.wmh.org. For more information, email edwardkerb@aol.com or walsha@wmh.org.

SUNY Sullivan partners with Empire State College

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — SUNY Sullivan and SUNY Empire State College have partnered to provide guaranteed admission to graduates from three of SUNY Sullivan associate’s degree programs: the Medical Assistant program, the Nursing program and the Respiratory Care program. In addition to the general pathway, which ensures admission to SUNY Empire for all qualified SUNY Sullivan graduates who have completed any associate-level program, SUNY Sullivan and SUNY Empire established three new program-to-program specific pathways.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections (2016-2026), registered nursing (RN) is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2026. The RN workforce is expected to grow from 2.9 million in 2016 to 3.4 million in 2026, an increase of 438,100 or 15 percent. The Bureau also projects the need for an additional 203,700 new RNs each year through 2026 to fill newly created positions and to replace retiring nurses.

 “Healthcare is the largest sector of the economy in Sullivan County,” said SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance. “These agreements will ensure that our graduates have access to high-quality SUNY degrees without the need to leave their home and community. This is a great opportunity for our students and will help further strengthen the healthcare workforce for years to come.”

For more information about ESC’s bachelor’s degree programs, visit  www.esc.edu/degrees-programs.

Greater Pike COVID-19 Relief Fund continues helping nonprofits

MILFORD, PA — Another five area nonprofits are getting support in their efforts to alleviate hardships caused by the pandemic. Grants totaling $16,500 have been awarded by the Greater Pike COVID-19 Relief Fund (GPCRF) to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to help restock their food pantry, Habitat for Humanity to replenish its client fund, Milford United Methodist Church to continue its COVID-19 outreach program, Tri-State Pregnancy Center for baby supplies, and The Cooperage Project, which received a grant for food assistance. 

This round of grants brings the total amount awarded so far by GPCRF to $46,500.  Applications are still being accepted. To apply, or to make a donation, visit www.greaterpike.org.

Greater Pike Community Foundation helps individuals, families and local businesses to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community. For information on the different kinds of funds, visit www.greaterpike.org/1-create-a-fund or contact Jenni Hamill at jennihamill@greaterpike.org.

Sullivan 180’s Coach to 5K virtual walk/run

FERNDALE, NY — Sullivan 180 announces Coach to 5K, a virtual walk/run race and eight-week training program, open to all Sullivan County residents. The Sullivan 180 Coach to 5K program provides all participants with their very own coach and an eight-week 5K training plan for both runners and walkers. All are welcome to participate. After the eight-week training period, you will have a full week (August 30 - September 5) to complete your 5K—whenever, wherever you’d like—and share your achievements on social media.

There is a suggested donation/registration fee; 100 percent of the funds raised will go to Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) to help feed local families in need impacted by COVID-19. If you cannot afford the suggested donation/registration fee, there is a free option you can choose and still participate.

The eight-week training program begins on Monday, July 6, and you can still register any time if you choose not to follow the training plan.

For more information and to register, visit www.Sullivan180.org.