BRATTLEBORO-Brattleboro Area Hospice has officially changed its name to Center for Solace. This change reflects its growth and commitment to serving even more people in Windham County and its neighboring New Hampshire towns, as well as its expanded goals, programs, and mission.
Since its founding in 1979, Brattleboro Area Hospice has been "a beloved part of Windham County," wrote Center for Solace officials in a news release. "It has worked tirelessly to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of dying neighbors and their families."
Executive Director Susan Parris explained the inspiration behind the change in the news release: "Our new name is all about who we are becoming. […] We've come to a name that invites connection, opens conversation, feels engaging, and honors both the sacred and the practical work we do."
In addition to its new name, Center for Solace just rolled out a brand-new website and is freshening up its social media looks.
The new name reflects an expansion of services that includes a new program for those who manage an illness without a terminal diagnosis, the Serious Illness Program.
The Center said this new program "was created to offer support, solace, and assistance to people going through a life-altering serious illness, one that may or may not have a terminal prognosis." The time of a new diagnosis or treatment for a recurrence or exacerbation of an ongoing disease often calls for added support. They offer support in the form of one-on-one volunteers and support groups for folks who are going through cancer treatment or coping with a healthcare crisis due to organ disease.
Center for Solace offers services and support free of charge "for serious illness, death, and grief while engaging our community in conversations about mortality and life. It is dedicated to uplifting its community through hospice care, early care support, serious illness, bereavement, and advanced care planning programs. It ensures that everyone in its service area has the support they need."
Their new website, centerforsolace.org, was launched earlier this month. If you have any questions or want to learn more, email [email protected].
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.