St. Vincent Catholic Charities Begins New Counseling Program for Families with a Serious Illness

St. Vincent Catholic Charities (STVCC) is proud to announce the introduction of Seasons: Supporting Families Through Serious Illness, a new counseling program which provides assistance and support to individuals navigating the journey of a family member’s illness, including support groups to assist in the coping and healing process.

“A serious illness impacts an entire family, changing the lives of children, parents, and loved ones,” stated Gina Snoeyink, STVCC Director of Counseling & Children’s Services.  “Such an illness can have serious consequences, disrupting existing lifestyles, relationships, and financial situations. Due to these additional stressors, parents can become less accessible to their children, while children struggle with how to cope to manage the crisis.”

From the point of diagnosis, Seasons is able to help children, teens, and adults cope with the changes that occur with serious illness.  The treatment Seasons provides positively affects the entire family, improving the healing process and creating family unity.  Weekly support groups are offered for children and teens ages 5 – 18, as well as for the adult with an illness and the caregiver in the family.  Support groups are facilitated by licensed mental health clinicians.

Examples of illnesses that families may be facing include, but are not limited to: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, emphysema, end state renal disease, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and renal failure.

“Seasons provides valuable support services to families in need in our community,” shared Jose Carrera, STVCC Clinical Director.  “This program continues to show how our agency provides help and creates hope to all that we serve.”

Season’s support groups will be held at St. Casimir Church, located at 815 Sparrow Ave., Lansing, Mich., 48910.

To learn more about the program or to schedule an appointment, visit www.stvcc.org/Seasons or call 517-323-4734 Ext. 1700.

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