By David Coy
Sunrise
The Sunrise Aftercare Program mission can be understood with the acronym: Survivors Understanding Needs, Receiving Insights, Sharing Insights. I understand it officially began on 1 June 1989. I am quite certain I do not know or understand all that brought this good program into being, but there was a need beyond the funeral service for serving and supporting the bereaved. Two people saw the need, Robert Shackelford and Don Lawrence, and acted to build a program that sought to fill this need. Most people who have had involvement in this program know at least in part the services we offer. A letter is mailed offering both private consultation and grief support group, all free of charge to all who are in need. The beauty of this service is much beyond the aforementioned.
Yet, years before the formal beginning of Sunrise Aftercare, there was prep work that Robert Shackelford and Don Lawrence as well as guest speakers completed by way of workshops on grief. There were presentations delivered on the subject of holiday grief and depression. Educational training seminars were also attended by Don Lawrence. A meeting was held with a chaplain presenting a message to a number of bereaved persons on his perspective of grief in his own life and its influence. These all were identified as important prep work to launching the aftercare program. The goal remains the same today. To provide education, consolation and support to everyone who is in need no matter whether you are a client of Shackelford Funeral Homes or not and no matter what county or state you live in. If we may serve, you please allow us the opportunity to do so. Our next grief support group will meet in Henderson on AT 6 P.M. Thursday, March 23, in the lounge at 619 East Main Street.
This is Sunrise Aftercare.
