Homeland’s Bereavement Team Offers Comprehensive and Compassionate Support

Noelle Valentine, MSW, LSW

Learning how to navigate the unchartered waters of grief after the death of a loved one requires a strong support system and the development of coping mechanisms to find hope for the future. Homeland Hospice provides a holistic approach to grief support using a team of compassionate counselors. Homeland Hospice is a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Homeland’s Noelle Valentine, MSW, LSW, Lead Bereavement Counselor, and Alexis Conkle, MSW, Bereavement Counselor, walk with families during their grief journey.

“Bereavement support is rewarding work,” Noelle says. “I’m humbled by the strength and compassion I learn from every family.”

While the steps of grief may form a pattern to healing, everyone’s process and timing is tied to their personal story. Through the shared understanding of loss, many people find comfort in Homeland’s bereavement support groups, which include a Men’s Breakfast and Ladies Lunch Series. The individual process of handling heartache can often best be addressed through individual counseling. The duality of support needed on a pathway through grief is why Homeland offers one-on-one consultations and support groups.

Alexis Conkle, MSW

“I enjoy working directly with families and helping them through the challenges of grief,” Alexis says. “I admire the strong bonds the Homeland team forms with families, as it makes this work a calling and not a job.”

In addition, Homeland offers hands-on activities including making memory pillows from a loved one’s clothing and grief art classes to serve as an avenue for expression. These opportunities along with events like Homeland’s 5K and Memory Walk provide a sense of community and an opportunity to form friendships with others who understand the journey. It is common for strangers to become close friends as they work through their grief together.

“We understand healing takes time,” Noelle and Alexis remark. “We will walk with you through your bereavement journey.”

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief.

To learn more, please contact Noelle Valentine at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.