Palliative Care Algoma

06/09/2026

05/25/2026

💙 **From the Algoma Team** 💙

Congratulations, Tara, on this well-deserved award! 🎉 Your compassion, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire us all. We are so proud to have you on our VON team—thank you for everything you do!

We are proud to celebrate Tara Moffatt on receiving the Palliative Care Nursing Leadership Award from the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association (CPCNA).

This well-deserved recognition reflects Tara’s dedication to advancing palliative care across Ontario through leadership, education, mentorship, and advocacy. Her passion for supporting patients, caregivers, and fellow healthcare professionals continues to make a meaningful impact in our communities and beyond.

“Tara truly is an exceptional individual and a remarkable leader in palliative care. We are fortunate to have her on our team; she is a genuine advocate for palliative care and her patients, significantly contributing to the education and growth of others in this field. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this than she.” - Kerri Milne, Director, Home and Community, North East/North West Region.

Congratulations, Tara, on this incredible achievement and thank you for the compassionate leadership you bring to palliative care every day. 💙

https://www.cpcna.ca/cheryl-leadership-award

05/25/2026

We’re excited to welcome you for **Session #2 of our Special Educational Series – The Companioning Model** 💙

Led by **Krista Ryall, PhD**, this session follows the teachings of Dr. Alan Wolfelt and offers meaningful guidance for supporting those experiencing grief and loss. Krista brings extensive training from the *Center for Loss & Life Transition* along with a deep passion for compassionate care.

💬 This session is ideal for:
➡️ Volunteers
➡️ Caregivers
➡️ Counselors
➡️ Educators
➡️ Anyone supporting others through difficult times

📍 **Location:** VON Algoma, 7B Oxford St., Sault Ste. Marie
📅 **Date:** Wednesday, June 3, 2026
🕕 **Time:** 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📞 **Register today:**
Contact Holly Lewis
📧
📱 (705) 825-0097

💙 Gain valuable tools and compassionate insight to better support those navigating grief.

05/12/2026

☀️ Grief Talk: Weathering Grief ☔

💬 This week’s reflection question: If Grief had a season today, what would the season be?

Reminder, this is a gentle space to check in with yourself and with one another. There is no right way to answer this question. You’re welcome to share in the comments a sentence, a word, an emoji, or simply read along. If today is a quiet day, your presence still matters.

We recognize that reflecting on the questions in this series may bring up big or unexpected feelings. Please know that you are not alone. Our team is here to support you if you would like guidance or additional resources.

If at any point you feel you need more support, help is available. You are welcome to reach out to Jenna Polutanovich at 705‑690‑3518 or [email protected].

03/12/2026

🫶 Bereavement Peer Support Group 🫶

Grief can feel heavy, isolating, and overwhelming. You don’t have to carry it alone. Our 8-week Mixed-Loss Grief Group offers a warm, supportive space where adults (18+) can connect with others who are grieving.

This program follows Alan Wolfelt's book Understanding Your Grief. Each participant will receive their own copy of the book and the accompanying journal, providing gentle guidance and reflection throughout the group.

📅 Start Date: April 9, 2026
🕔 Thursdays, 6:00–7:30 PM
👤 Facilitated by Dr. Krista Ryall, VON Grief & Bereavement Lead

Together, we explore the ten essential touchstones of grief, honouring each person’s unique journey with compassion, patience, and understanding.

Registration is required. Please contact Jenna at [email protected] or 705-690-3518

You are not alone. We’re here to walk alongside you.

01/18/2026

🕊️ **Your Comfort is Our Priority**

We understand that facing a serious illness is one of life's most profound journeys. Our Palliative Care Program is here to walk alongside you with compassion, dignity, and unwavering support.

We believe in honoring each person's unique needs while creating a circle of care that extends to families and loved ones. During this tender time, our team offers gentle guidance, a listening presence, and the comfort of knowing you're not alone.

🪶 **How We Serve You:**

Compassionate companionship wherever you call home—whether that's your residence, hospital, or care facility

A safe space to express your feelings, fears, and hopes

Caring respite for family caregivers, so they too can find moments of peace and renewal

With grace and reverence, we are here for you. 🕊️

01/17/2026

💙 **Supporting You Through Life's Most Difficult Moments** 💙

The Victorian Order of Nurses is a compassionate presence for individuals and families navigating grief and loss in Algoma.

Our Grief & Bereavement Support program understands that healing isn't about rushing through pain—it's about having someone walk alongside you during one of life's most challenging journeys.

✨ *"Companioning is about being present to another person's pain; it is not about taking away the pain."*

Whether you've recently lost a loved one or are continuing to process grief, you don't have to go through it alone. Our trained support team is here to listen, understand, and companion you with compassion and care.

📞 **Contact Jenna:**
☎️ (705) 690-3518
✉️ [email protected]

VON - Live Every Day. 🌸

10/27/2025

Please see a community resource for Grief & Bereavement support!