COVID-19 Response & Resources
We value the fact that the community depends on us for support and a caring presence every day as we face the challenges of illness, loss and grief together. During this unprecedented time of upheaval and uncertainty, we are still here for you, although in different ways. Our staff are available to offer phone support, online and community resources, as well as reading recommendations and other useful tools. Dealing with serious illness, the demands of caregiving, and grief can be isolating. As the entire community faces this pandemic and changes to our everyday lives, feelings of isolation can increase. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support and resources!
We're Here For You!
For adults who are grieving a loss and feeling isolated:
Anne Baker
Interim Director of Adult Bereavement Services
anneb@caringmatters.org, 301-990-0854
For parents/guardians caring for grieving children, as well as teachers and school counselors, in need of support and resources:
​Gilly Cannon
Director of Children’s Bereavement Services gillyc@caringmatters.org, 301-990-8904
For people with serious illnesses, their families & caregivers feeling isolated and stressed:
Penny Gladhill
Director of Volunteer Helping Hands pennyg@caringmatters.org, 301-990-0852
Para padres/guardianes de niños que están en duelo, así como las maestras y consejeros de escuela, en necesidad de apoyo y recursos:
Mabilia Rastello, LCSW-C
Coordinadora del programa para los niños en duelo
mabiliar@caringmatters.org, 717-800-1631
Para las personas con enfermedades graves, sus familias y cuidadores que se sienten aislados y estresados:
Maria Alvarez
Entrenada cuidadora voluntaria
mariaja@caringmatters.org, 301-869-4673
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Resources
The Alzheimer's Association - 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900
The Alzheimer's Association is dedicated to promoting awareness of the latest Alzheimer's research, resources, and news.
Caregiver Action Network - Caregiver Help Desk 855-227-3640
Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.
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The Conversation Project - Being Prepared in the Time of COVID-19
This tip sheet offers specific guidance on discussing and making decisions about end-of-life care and advance directives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Conversation Project is a public engagement initiative with the goal having every person’s wishes for end-of-life care expressed and respected.
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EveryMind - 24/7 Montgomery County Hotline 301-738-2255 (Call/Chat)
EveryMind provides community education, advocacy and direct services which empower children, teens, families, older adults and the entire community to reach optimal mental wellness.
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Family Caregiver Alliance – National Center on Caregiving (includes options for online support groups)
Family Caregiver Alliance provides services to family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson’s, stroke, Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Services include assessment, care planning, direct care skills, wellness programs, respite services, and legal/financial consultation vouchers.
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Harvard Business Review - That Discomfort You're Feeling is Grief
David Kessler, one of the world’s foremost expert on grief, shares his thoughts on why it’s important to acknowledge the grief you may be feeling now during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to manage it, and how he believes we will find meaning in it.
Maryland Department of Aging – Free Senior Call Check Program Information & Sign Up
Maryland State Department of Education – Child Care in Maryland During COVID-19 State of Emergency
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Montgomery County Palliative Care and End of Life Coalition - Montgomery County Palliative Care and End of Life Coalition is the County's only public-private collaborative working to ensure that individuals and caregivers facing serious illness have team-based, health and social service care that supports their goals, values, and preferences at all stages of life and in all steps of their illness.
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Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
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Montgomery County Caregiver Support Program
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Tragedy Assistance for Survivors (TAPS)
TAPS offers compassionate care and resources to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one. The organization provides comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.
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The co-authors of this site are Baltimore-based mental health professionals with 20+ years of experience in grief and bereavement. The website has articles and resources that provide guidance and advice relevant to grief in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic. The site also offers webinars, e-courses, print publications and other resources.
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Children and Family Resources
Art with Heart: Creative Activities to do with Kids at Home
Art with Heart is a therapeutic, art-based curriculum that spreads the healing power of creative expression to kids facing trauma or adversity.
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CaringMatters Family Activity Newsletter - English / Spanish
These activities, offered in both English and Spanish, can help grieving families honor and begin a conversation about their loved ones, remembering their personality, gifts, and the special times shared together.
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The Center for Loss & Life Transition - "Coronavirus and the Six Needs of Mourning"
The Center for Loss & Life Transition was founded by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, the author of many books and resources that are helpful to caregivers, grieving people, and those who want to help someone who has experienced a loss. Dr. Woffelt is the creator of the model of “companioning” versus “treating” people in grief.
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The Dougy Center - The National Center for Grieving Children & Families
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Eluna - Strategies for Thriving During the Covid-19 Pandemic
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National Alliance for Grieving Children Toolkit – Responding to Change & Loss
National Association of School Psychologists – Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents and supports the profession of school psychology by advancing effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior and mental health, and by maintaining essential standards for ethics and practice.
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New York Life Foundation Bereavement Resources
New York Life Foundation invests in programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement support.
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Teen Wise Blog - Grieving During Social Distancing
Online coaching and resources to help teen girls find strength, happiness and calm.
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