Compass’ Grief Services team will be hosting a variety of different support groups and workshops coming up. One of the critical factors in healing is the support of other people. Having a community of others who have also experiences grief allow you to feel someone else “gets it”. With each group and workshop below our grief support group will give you the tools for handling grief, plus the support of others with similar losses.

Loss of a Spouse or Partner 8-Week Support Group (Feb. 23-Apr. 13): A critical aspect in healing is the support of other people.  This 8-week support group (every Thursday 12:00-1:30pm) for individuals who have lost a spouse or partner will be structured around discussion and sharing with the goal of fostering peer support and introducing tools and skills to navigate your grief.  Please join us!  For more information, contact Rhonda Knotts at 443-262-4109 or [email protected].

All Loss8-Week Support Group (Feb.23-Apr.13): This 8-week support group (every Thursday 6:00-7:30 pm) is for individuals 18 and older, who have experienced any type of loss. Throughout the course of 8 weeks, this will be a safe space to share your journey with others who have had similar experiences. Your feelings and reactions are common in what feels like an abnormal situation or uncharted waters. To register or get more information contact Sherrie Young at [email protected] or 443-262-4120

Bereaved Parents Group: Join our monthly drop-in group (first Monday of the month) for individuals (18 and older), who have experienced the loss of a child at any age, regardless of the circumstances. It is located at the Hope & Healing Center (Barnette Center). This support group is a safe place for parents to understand that they are not alone in their grief and to appreciate that everyone grieves differently. For more information, contact Rhonda Knotts at 443-262-4109 or [email protected].

Caregiver Support Group: Family caregivers take on so much-from cooking and cleaning to managing medications, looking after finances, and coordinating doctor appointments. It is a monthly drop-in group on the second Thursday of each month 1:00-2:30pm. It will be hosted at the Hope & Healing Center (Barnette Center) (255 Comet Dr. Centreville, MD 21617). This is a place where spouses and adult children can share their sorrows and problems, joys and successes, resources and solutions. Please reach out to Rhonda Knotts 443-262-4109 or [email protected] with any questions.

Stigmatized Loss: Join our monthly drop-in group (last Tuesday of the month 6:00-7:30pm) for individuals (18 and older). A critical aspect in healing is sharing and connection. The goal of this monthly drop-in is to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals who have lost a loved one to overdose or suicide. We hope you can join us. It is located at the Hope & Healing Center (Barnette Center) (255 Comet Dr. Centreville, MD 21617). For more information, contact Sherrie Young 443-262-4120 or [email protected].

Men’s Coffee Hour: Join our monthly drop-in group staring March 14^th(second Tuesday of the month9:00-10:00am).

• Imagine a social outlet for men
• Imagine a place where everyone’s intent is to hear what to say
• Imagine a place where you are encouraged to move forward through life’s challenges and towards your aspirations and goals

It’s free. It’s confidential. It’s facilitated. Take a step and discover what other men are doing to navigate through life’s challenges. The group will be meeting at the Hope & Healing Center (Barnette Center) (255 Comet Dr. Centreville, MD 21617). For more information, contact Sherrie Young 443-262-4120 or [email protected].

Compass has more support groups and events coming up throughout the year. If you have any questions about these groups or would like to learn more about Compass’ grief support services, please contact Rhonda Knotts at [email protected] or 443-262-4109.

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

On December 17, 2022 Jake and Vickie Sizemore, owners of Belly Bustin Grill food trailer, hosted their annual Holiday for Hospice event to benefit Compass. At this year’s event they raised over $11,000 to support Compass’ hospice care, supportive care, and grief support services throughout the Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Holiday for Hospice is an annual event that Jake and Vickie host and prepare for it all year around. Throughout the evening guests had a variety of opportunities to support the cause including a live auction and a 50/50 raffle.

This event was inspired by Jake and Vickie’s own experience with hospice.  In 2017 after Jake’s mother passed away under the hospice services of the Gilchrist Center in Howard County. Touched by the amazing dedication of the hospice nurse, The Sizemores wanted to find a way to give back to the organization that served their family. Every year they would host a Christmas party and decided to put donation jars for hospice. Over the years the event grew and grew along with the generosity of their family, friends, and local businesses.

Starting in 2021 The Sizemores decided that they wanted Holiday for Hospice to benefit Compass, as it is the hospice provider in Caroline County, where they live. In 2022 their goal for the event was to raise $5,000, through donations and support from the community they raised over $11,000. During the event Randy Ridgley, with Ridgley Auction Services, ran the live auction that boasted a variety of different items and gift baskets. The highest bid item from the auction was a beautiful, hand carved duck decoy donated by Chris Martin. Throughout the event 50/50 raffle tickets were sold. Brian Wood, with Lifetime Drilling, was the lucky winner of the raffle and generously donated his winnings back to the cause.

This year’s event would not have been possible with out the support of the event staff, sponsors, and those individuals and businesses that donated items:

Event Staff: Margie Cook, Jesse Porter, Mona, Brian, and Michael Karsseboom, & Brandis Messerschmidt

Sponsors: Mountaire Farms, Atlantic Tractor, Hutchison’s Supply, Integrated Collision, Southern States, Russell Parks & Son, Outsiders Towing, Holt, Star Trucking, Eaton Farms, Bonnie Bishop, Stacy Blanchfield, & Brandis Messerschmidt

Gift Cards/Gift Certificates, and Items: Greensboro VFD, Save A Lot, After Glow, Mr. Dave Williams, Debbie Ireland, Red Chef, Ridgley VFD, Carrie Sue Cupcakery, Taylor Parsons, Anita’s Hair Salon, Belly Bustin Grill, Outstanding Dreams Alpaca Farm, Wicked Woods, La Delizia, Schrader’s Outdoors, Kelly Mc Clyment Photography, Ivylynn Porter, Ben Cline, Dale Larrimore, Trans America Life Insurance, Bill & Son Mower Repair, Carletto’s, Ruby Gingell, & Mona Karsseboom

Gift Baskets: Barb Beitzell, Randy Ridgley, Vickie Sizemore, Bonnie Ireland, Karen Patak, Sudlersville Meat Locker, brandis Messerschmidt, Peggy Connley, DJ Captain Morgan, Eaton Farms, Mary Beth Clough, Kaila & Nikki Cary, Bucky Simpson, Caitlyn Poole, Greensboro Pharmacy, Alexis Martin, Terry Sears, Emily Rippeon, Jesse Porter, Carrie Sears, Brittany Gross, Strawberry Blonde, Chance Construction, Lean’s Bar, Karen Ireland, & Jaye Sheldon

Meat for the Event: Twin Walnut Farms

This is an annual event that is hosted in December each year. If you would like to support this event this year through donations or helping with planning please reach out to Vickie Sizemore at 443-277-5007 or [email protected]. Compass is incredibly grateful for the support received from Holiday for Hospice. The Sizemore’s generosity truly exemplifies community. We are honored to have been chosen as recipients of their kindness, and this will allow us to continue our important mission.

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Compass will be offering their three-day training session virtually for any individuals interested in becoming a patient care volunteer.

The training session is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 10, 17, and 24^th. Due to COVID restrictions, the training will take place virtually through Zoom. Volunteers provide company for patients, relieve the primary caregiver for a short period of time, assist with administration duties, or grief services. We are always looking for Veterans to assist with our We Honor Veterans program.

“Most often, patient volunteers give companionship to patients by reading, playing cards, or just watching television with them. They also give caregivers a chance to have a much-needed break to tend to other responsibilities,” said Robyn Affron, volunteer manager at Compass. “Occasionally our patients need some gardening or laundry done, or a quick errand run. Our volunteers provide the added support that our patients and families need during what can be an overwhelming time.”

Topics taught during the training will include an overview of hospice, the process of dying, spiritual care and its place in hospice care, the stages of grief, effective communications techniques, family dynamics, stress management and self-care for caregivers.

Compass relies on more than 200 volunteers of all ages to support its mission, and these individuals volunteer their time in a variety of ways. In addition to patient care volunteers, Compass is currently seeking volunteers for Compass Closet (formerly Estate Treasures), their upscale retail shop whose proceeds help cover uncompensated patient care. Whatever your motivation to volunteer, there is a place for you at Compass.

To register or find out more information about becoming a volunteer for Compass, contact Robyn Affron at 443-262-4112 or [email protected]. Please register no later than January 23^rd.

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Compass’ Festival of Trees will be hosted December 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th at Bill and Gail Towers’ Towers Family Historical Museum, 26299 Sennett Road, Denton. Museum began as display of their collection of John Deere tractors, but has grown to showcase the agricultural history in Caroline County, and the past businessmen in the area. All proceeds will benefit hospice care, supportive care, and grief support services throughout Caroline County provided by Compass, the sole provider in Caroline County.

The event will kick off with the Preview Party, a ticketed event, on December 2^nd from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets are $50 per person which includes beer, wine, and heavy hors d’oeurves. Guests will have first access to the tree bidding opportunities and enjoy a festive evening to start off this holiday season.

As you walk through the beautiful display of trees you can bid on your favorite tree to brighten up your home. Bring the whole family and help a good cause while you celebrate the season! Admission is free. Trees will be available for viewing from 12 to 5 pm on Saturday, December 3^rd. Continuing December 4^th from 11:30 am-3:30 Pm. Sunday, and bidding concludes at 3:30 pm.

Compass is looking for sponsors to help support this event’s success for Caroline County. Along with general sponsorships, there is also a need for tree sponsors. As a tree sponsor an individual, organization, company, social group, etc. could donate an artificial decorated tree or wreath to be auctioned. This is a great team building opportunity as well that can help get you and your organization into the holiday spirit. For more information about the event, sponsorships, or tree sponsors please reach out to Shelly Baird at 443-262-4106 or [email protected].

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland, and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

On October 17, 2022, Compass Closet will host their annual Fashion Show to benefit Compass’ hospice care, supportive care, and grief support services in Caroline, Kent, & Queen Anne’s counties. With this year’s theme, A Maryland Road Trip, spend the afternoon enjoying fashion, food, and exploring all the great activities around Maryland all while supporting a great cause!

The event will be held at Prospect Bay Country Club starting at 11 am and includes a seated lunch, a cash bar, upscale boutique, silent and live auctions. This year the models are community members that live in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Some are dedicated patient volunteers, Compass Closet volunteers, administrative volunteers, and Camp New Dawn volunteers. Others are part of Compass’ amazing staff including representatives from their Grief Support Services and Administrative team.

Fashion Show tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Seating is limited and registration is required, and tickets are $50 per person. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, call Shelly Baird at 443-262-4106 or email [email protected].

Compass Closet, located in Chester, MD, is also seeking volunteers. Volunteering at this upscale resale shop is an excellent way to make an impact on your community while combining fun & fashion. With just two shifts per month, volunteers help ensure that Compass can continue to provide patient care and grief services to the community. For more information about volunteer opportunities, call Robyn at 443-262-4112 or email [email protected]

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Compass will host its 2^nd Annual Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, October 7^th, at Chester River Yacht & Country Club, 7738 Quaker Neck Rd, Chestertown. This year’s tournament is in memory of Mary Jean Hudson and Roger Brown.

Proceeds from the tournament enables Compass to provide all the residents of Kent County:

• Compassionate and professional hospice care and supportive care in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or at The Barnette Center in Centreville.
• Supportive care, which offers guidance toward living well and as fully as possible at any stage of a serious, chronic, or terminal illness.
• Grief support through individual counseling, support groups and school-based grief counseling and grief support groups (K-12^th grade). As well as youth grief support camps like Camp New Dawn and Camp Reflection.

Phyllis Brown and Joyce Davis, a member of Compass’ Board of Directors, are the two chairs of this year’s tournament. Golferswill play the 18-hole, par71 course. The registration fee is $150 per golfer and $600 per team. Registration includes practice range, golf cart, luncheon, and awards. Foursomes and individual golfers are welcome. This year the tournament will be played in a scramble format. Tournament participants will also enjoy a variety of competitions and games in addition to the 18-holes of play.

On the morning of the event registration will begin at 7:30 am with a shotgun start at 9:00 am. Refreshments will be available on the course throughout the day. After play, the golfers are invited back to the club house for lunch and an awards ceremony.

To register or get more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shelly Baird, 443-262-4106 or [email protected].

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Compass will be offering their three-day training session virtually for any individuals interested in becoming a patient care volunteer.

The training session is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 9, 16, and 23^rd. Due to COVID restrictions, the training will take place virtually through Zoom. Volunteers provide company for patients, relieve the primary caregiver for a short period of time, assist with administration duties, or grief services. We are always looking for Veterans to assist with our We Honor Veterans program.

“Most often, patient volunteers give companionship to patients by reading, playing cards, or just watching television with them. They also give caregivers a chance to have a much-needed break to tend to other responsibilities.” said Robyn Affron, volunteer manager at Compass. “Occasionally our patients need some gardening or laundry done, or a quick errand run. Our volunteers provide the added support that our patients and families need during what can be an overwhelming time.”

Topics taught during the training will include an overview of hospice, the process of dying, spiritual care and its place in hospice care, the stages of grief, effective communications techniques, family dynamics, stress management and self-care for caregivers.

Compass relies on more than 300 volunteers of all ages to support its mission, and these individuals volunteer their time in a variety of ways. In addition to patient care volunteers, Compass is currently seeking volunteers for Compass Closet (formerly Estate Treasures), their upscale retail shop whose proceeds help cover uncompensated patient care. Whatever your motivation to volunteer, there is a place for you at Compass.

To register or find out more information about becoming a volunteer for Compass, contact Robyn Affron at 443-262-4112 or [email protected]. Please register no later than August 26^th.

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Grief reactions are often intricate and complex. When you add that your loved one died from an overdose, accidental or not, or death by suicide, it complicates matters. There are myriad emotions that occur when someone dies, but when the death is from an overdose or suicide, the most difficult ones rise to the surface. If you have experienced the death of a loved one from an overdose or substance abuse or suicide your reactions may be unlike anything you have ever experienced.  Your feelings and reactions are common in what feels like an abnormal situation or uncharted waters.

If you have experienced these or continue to experience these, please know that the intensity and duration changes over time.   Often, understanding the grief process can help you navigate these unchartered waters.  We would like to invite you to join us for a Grief 101 Workshop, that focuses on the unique grief that surrounds the death of someone who has passed due to a substance overdose or suicide.  Compass is offering two opportunities to participate:

Location: Kent County Community Center
Address: 11041 Worton Rd.
Date: Tuesday, May 24th
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Register by May 20th

Location: The Barnett Center (Compass)
Address: 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, Md 21623
Date: Thursday, June 2nd
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Register by May 27th

For more information or to register please reach to Rhonda Knotts at [email protected] or 443.262.4120.

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland.

Are you interested in setting up a planned gift? Leave a legacy of caring by making a planned gift to Compass. This could in remembering Compass in your will, naming them as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy, charitable gift annuities, and more. To learn more about planned giving opportunities to Compass, please contact Kenda Leager at [email protected] or 443-262-4106. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

The Knights of Columbus, Fr. George S. Bradford Council #11248’s Bonnie and Mike Messix presented Compass with a $5,000 check to help support their mission. Compass offers comprehensive, professional and compassionate care and support to patients, caregivers and families who have found themselves facing a life-limiting diagnosis or loss. Rita Blusiewicz named The Knights of Columbus as a beneficiary in her estate. She was a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Parish and a great friend to Fr. Bradford Council, her wishes were to use the bequest as the council chose. The council has worked to distribute Rita’s legacy to local charities. Compass is one of the organizations that was chosen. This donation will go towards covering costs associated with hospice care, supportive care, and grief services provided by Compass to Queen Anne’s, Kent, and Caroline counties.

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland.

Are you interested in setting up a planned gift? Leave a legacy of caring by making a planned gift to Compass. This could in remembering Compass in your will, naming them as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy, charitable gift annuities, and more. To learn more about planned giving opportunities to Compass, please contact Kenda Leager at [email protected] or 443-262-4106. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.