Cheryl Dely, Bereavement Counselor - You’re not alone in your time of need

Cheryl was caring for an elderly woman who had just lost her husband. The woman was very distraught. For the time following the passing of her husband, she had friends, neighbors and Cheryl to help her cope. On one particular night, the woman was having a difficult time. Her neighbor stayed by her side for a while but had to leave. Cheryl was concerned that the woman would wake during the night or in the morning and become confused; it would be the first time that she would wake up alone. So Cheryl spent the night on a couch just outside the bedroom door to ensure the wellbeing of the woman. When the patient woke, Cheryl comforted her. She stayed throughout the day to help with plans, comfort her as needed and ultimately be a shoulder to cry on.

Getting involved in Education

(l-r) Christina Dekkar with Helen Crawford, Guidance Counselor/Teacher at Seminole Ridge High School

At the recent School Board Institute event at Park Vista High School, Christina Dekkar and members of the John J. Brogan Bereavement Center were on hand to provide information to all Palm Beach County Guidance Counselors in attendance. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about our school based-bereavement programs as well as other services offered through our bereavement center. "This was a great opportunity to introduce new guidance counselors to our programs and served as a refresher to those who already know about our program."