Comfort In The Storm - That’s what the Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties is calling its new online bereavement support group, a free avenue to explore newfound grief that individuals might be experiencing at this time.

"One of the silver linings I think of this entire COVID crisis is that we've had to rethink the way we take care of patients and people in the community," said Sandi Cassese, the cice president & COO of the Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.

She said the team is working hard to adapt its offerings to what seems like our new normal.

“We asked our patients; we asked the families, ‘Is it okay for us to enter your lives in a way that you're not accustomed to?’ It's really unusual to be taking care of patients remotely," she said. "Just the simple act of making a phone call, and all of our disciplines are doing it with all of our patients every day. It's remarkable how healing it is.”

Kim Warner is the director of social work and bereavement there, and understands the process of grief very well.

"Grief has many ups and downs, and we inherently use each other as support," she said.

And the hospice is stepping in to fill that gap. As for how long this group will last, Warner said it will be a long-term offering.

"I would anticipate that this group might start small and then grow and grow and grow, as people find that this is the avenue that's going to meet their needs the best," she said.

In the meantime, Warner is encouraging the public that it is never too late to reach out to them for help.

"If you, three months after the death say I you know I really do want to talk to somebody, we would encourage you to come, we would encourage you to join us," she said.

The Hospice is welcoming those interested in enrolling in the bereavement support group, to call them at 845-561-6111. The first meeting will happen on April 23 and continue weekly.