Imagine Volunteer February Training
A recent participant in Imagine’s last volunteer facilitator training shared this about her experience: “The training was truly amazing and inspiring. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to participate in it.” Another shared:“The Imagine Staff are amazing. I so appreciate all the knowledge they shared and the encouragement they gave to me and the other participants.”
Participants in Imagine’s training programs often describe the experience as “life-changing”. In addition to story sharing and the opportunity to support one another, training participants gain knowledge and skills regarding Alan Wolfelt’s Companioning Model for grief support that’s practiced at Imagine. Participants often walk away with a new understanding of themselves, and a new capacity for supporting the people in their lives. They bring this understanding to their role as facilitators in Imagine’s peer support group program where children, youth, young adults and adults come together to share their grief experiences and receive and give support.
Imagine’s volunteer facilitators come from all walks of life and no special background is required other than a willingness to listen, a heart inclined to serve, and the ability to be with children and adults in grief without trying to fix, solve or give advice. No prior experience is necessary. Volunteers must be 18 years or older. Bilingual (Spanish speaking) volunteers are needed as well. Volunteers serve as companions and loving listeners for those who are grieving and help create a space where participants can share tears and embrace the joys of life.
If you’d like to join us for Imagine’s next facilitator training, it will be held Saturday, Feb. 17th through Monday, February 19th from 9 am-5 pm each day at Imagine’s Newark Center at 570 Broad Street in Newark, and we ask that our new volunteers attend the entire training. Our new Newark center is located downtown in the Chase building with parking available directly behind the building. It’s also close to public transportation.We’re hoping those completing the training will be able to facilitate groups held every other week at our Newark center. We have so many children and families currently in need of support that we’re planning to launch a new Night of Support in Newark. We’re also looking for a few new facilitators for our Mountainside location.
If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of grieving families and would like to participate in this transformative training experience, please visit Imagine’s website at imaginenj.org or scan the bar code below to let us know of your interest. Please reach out to Imagine’s Program Supervisor, Abigail Priece, LPC at abigail@imaginenj.org with any questions.
Imagine is a 501c3 nonprofit that offers free year-round grief support groups for children ages 3-18 and young adults 19-30 who are coping with a loss due to death. Concurrently, support groups are available for the parents and guardians of the children in the groups and offered in English and Spanish. Imagine also offers grief and loss education and training to the community. For more information please contact Imagine at 908-264-3100 or info@imaginenj.org.
