Hospice of North Central Ohio receives Summertime Kids grant

ONTARIO — The Richland County Foundation Summertime Kids advisory committee has approved a $1,250 grant designated for Hospice of North Central Ohio's 2023 Camp Hope children's bereavement camp.

The camp was established by HNCO in 1996 for grieving children ages 6-17 who have lost a parent through death. This year's camp will be held June 16, 17, 23 and 24 at Pleasant Hill Campgrounds of Mohican State Park.

“Specialized grants for Camp Hope are our primary funding for some of the specialized activities that we do with the campers," Rebecca Pfister, MSW and bereavement camp supervisor, said. "This year’s grant monies will be allocated toward the purchase of a ‘stuff your own’ stuffed animal for each of the campers. The animals that will be purchased have Velcro closures into which the camper can place notes to loved ones or other small tokens of remembrance. We utilize various crafts and activities to assist our campers with both expressions of grief and remembrance of loved ones.”

Hospice of North Central Ohio has served thousands of families with compassionate end-of-life and palliative care, bereavement programs and services since 1988. Proud to be called “Your Hometown Hospice,” HNCO is headquartered at 1021 Dauch Drive in Ashland and serves more than 200 patients daily in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow and Richland counties who are living with chronic and terminal illnesses.

"We have been blessed with a capable and caring bereavement staff that helps guide children through their grief and embrace life in a safe and supportive atmosphere," Ralph Tomassi, HNCO chief development officer and senior administrator, said. "We are grateful for the Richland County Foundation's continued support of this special program.”

Additionally, free continuous bereavement services are provided for hundreds of families of hospice patients and to anyone in the community experiencing grief. HNCO also operates the What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe located in downtown Mansfield.

Call 800-952-2207 for more information. HNCO is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with years of experience and a community partner of United Way of Ashland and Knox County.