Faith in HandT is a collaborative partnership of faith and civic organizations dedicated to the promotion of health and well-being throughout Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties.

The objectives of the Faith in HandT initiative are:

• To provide a working knowledge of the natural partnership of ministry between hospice and the local faith community by broadening the understanding of hospice and its services



• To educate clergy, health ministers and missionaries on end-of-life planning, so that they may be a comforting and informative resource to their congregations in a time of need



• To conduct free educational workshops such as the "Ministry of Presence" and "Finding Strength at the Broken Places" for the faith community designed to enhance the skills necessary to support those who are coping with an advanced illness or who are caring for a loved one diagnosed with an advanced illness



• To train volunteers to help care for patients and families who are in need of comfort, compassion and support at the end of life. Volunteers will be trained to provide a variety of services, such as respite care, companionship and mentoring through visits in person or by telephone. Volunteers will also be available to help patients and families with transportation needs, as well as light housekeeping and chores. In addition, volunteers will be trained to facilitate bereavement support groups and to assist faith communities in developing effective bereavement programs.

For more information about Hospice of the Chesapeake's Faith in HandT program, please call 443.837.1554 or e-mail FaithInHand@hospicechesapeake.org.