Here at Mantooth, we have the pleasure of working with all sorts of clients across varying industries, big and small, for profit and nonprofit. It keeps our days interesting, to say the least. This month, we’re turning our focus to a client that provides services to people going through some of the most difficult times of their lives.
When we mention Pathways to people outside of Mantooth, many haven’t heard of them because they haven’t had the need for their services yet. But of those who have heard of Pathways, we’re often met with a response of extreme gratitude. Pathways is a nonprofit organization in northern Colorado that provides hospice care, palliative care, and grief and loss counseling services. Pathways’ caring staff and volunteers provide coping methods to those dealing with the loss of a loved one or experiencing a life-limiting illness.
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month as well as Children’s Grief and Loss Awareness Month. In honor of this, we wanted to highlight some of the ways that Pathways helps our grieving friends and neighbors every day:
Pathways provides hospice care to those facing a life-limiting illness have who have been given a life expectancy prognosis of less than six months. Hospice care focuses on comfort and helps patients to live out their lives with dignity and no pain. Palliative care services provided by Pathways deliver specialized pain and symptom management outlets for patients at all stages. Palliative care can also include counseling, support, and guidance around health care options and choices.
Pathways also provides extensive programs, support groups, memorials, and grief and loss counseling for those who are grieving or are a caretaker for an ill loved one. These groups are specialized for men, widows, families, creative therapies, children, and more.
This month we are striving to bring awareness to children’s grief. Children grieve differently than adults. Adults must be aware of the signs and symptoms that children show. Children, especially the younger ones, are less likely to use words to express their feelings. It can be difficult to know how to explain death to a child or know how to support them when they experience death firsthand. Pathways for Grief & Loss uses music, art, play, and sand therapy to help children release emotions and feelings. In 2018, Pathways opened their Children’s Healing Garden, an outdoor space with sensory experiences to help children feel calm and comforted.
Pathways has joined the National Alliance for Grieving Children this year in an effort to bring awareness to how children grieve. Learn more about childhood grief and how you can support grieving children in your life here.
This month, we encourage you to learn a little bit about end of life care and think about any friends or family you have that may be grieving right now. How can you encourage them and show your support? If you are currently experiencing a life-limiting illness or are grieving, know that you are not alone, and Pathways is here for you. Learn about the support groups they offer on their online calendar.
Pathways is a nonprofit organization and never turns anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay. They rely on donations from generous individuals, businesses, and the support of dedicated volunteers. If you feel inclined to contribute, please visit pathways-care.org/ways-to-give.
