Companions of Hope: Support Programs for Children and Families
After decades of focus on treating cancer, we realize the importance of helping survivors and their families achieve a quality life from the day of diagnosis. To ensure every member of the survivor’s family receives the best care, we involve children and caregivers as vital members of the care team. By providing supportive services for all family members impacted by cancer, Companions of Hope creates a partnership between families and healthcare professionals to better cope with life’s challenges brought on by the disease.
Our Values
Companions of Hope recognizes that all survivors’ families are unique. We respect different life experiences, values, beliefs, education and religious and cultural backgrounds. We believe in equal and flexible care so that the needs and choices of families can be met, empowering them to join in their survivor’s healthcare journey.
Our Programs
Hope Coaches
Each family linked with Companions of Hope services are assigned a Coach who assists as an integral part of a child and family’s support team. Our job is to reduce the traumatic impact of cancer on survivors and families by forming therapeutic relationships and providing education and support services.
Child and Adolescent Hope Coaches:
• Introduce children and adolescents to the hospital environment
• Conduct age-appropriate structured support groups and activities
• Coordinate special events for families throughout the year
• Educate children on procedures through experiential play and discussions
• Guide parents/caregivers on communication techniques with children around the topic of cancer
• Provide support for survivor and families throughout their entire journey
Call to secure a Hope Coach: 614-293-6428.
Support Groups
Companions of Hope provides support group services for patients and family members to process feelings, express concerns and explore attitudes. Groups are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and are conducted on an eight-week rotation. Registration required. Please call 614-293-6428 for program time, location and dates.
Children’s Groups
Kids connect with others their age who have parents/caregivers with cancer. Learning the facts helps children/adolescents dispel misconceptions, reduces unnecessary fears and raises awareness of cancer-related issues.
Survivor Groups (Adult)
Express your thoughts and feelings about your diagnosis and the impact it has on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Caregivers Groups (Adult)
Share concerns you and your loved ones may have about your family member’s cancer and its impact on your lives.
Experiential Groups
*Please note: All of the following are components of our programs and may be incorporated into each one of our groups.
Hope Reins
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) are therapeutic learning models using horses. Our program is the first of its kind and designed specifically for cancer survivors, their children and family members. Facilitators are professionals certified in EAP/EAL, and groups are clinically structured for families with a loved one who has cancer. A tailored curriculum helps promote the discovery and expression of feelings brought on by a cancer diagnosis.
Art, Music & Movement
Art therapy is a modality honoring diverse skills and abilities. Certified creative professionals are dedicated to the belief that the creative process involved in making art is healing and life enhancing. Groups explore new concepts and artistic expression that continues to expand the effectiveness of art as a healing therapy.
Our music therapy program is a clinical and evidence-based music intervention developed to accomplish individual as well as group goals. Licensed professionals facilitate both vocal as well as instrumental group sessions.
Movement therapy involves a direct expression and experience of oneself through the body. A basic form of authentic communication, the model is based on the belief that the body, the mind and the spirit are interconnected. We foster the process of emotional, cognitive, social and physical integration of the individual.
Companions of Hope: Please call us at 614-293-6428