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The Acton Black Family Food Program Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary
In June 2020, Celia’s House did their first newsletter article on the Acton Black Family Food Program. It was entitled “Honoring A Father: Our Everyday Heroes,” in honor of Father’s Day. The Program, which helps to cover the costs of meals for families visiting residents of Celia’s House, celebrated its 5th anniversary on Father's Day.
The Black Family came to Celia’s House in January 2020. They had been caring for their father, Acton, and all arrived exhausted. As Acton was getting settled, Dr. John Forsyth offered the family a bowl of homemade chicken soup. His heartfelt offering of comfort began a ritual of more shared meals over the following three weeks, enabling the family to stay by their father’s bedside and enjoy meals together.
After Acton’s passing, the family returned to pay for their meals. At the time, there was a nominal fee for guests’ meals. The family worked with Susan Hearn and told her it was their wish, in honor of their father, that other families have the same experience sharing a meal, worry-free of cost, as they spent their last days with their loved one. This is how the Food Program began – from the kindness extended by a bowl of soup.
There are many beautiful stories to share since that time: Families gathering in the dining room or bedside to share meals, residents eating their favorite foods with loved ones, and family members thanking the kitchen staff for making them feel at home.
Acton’s son, Bill Black, shared, “This isn’t where Dad should have been; it’s where he needed to be.” If the Black Family could not be at home, they were honored to be with their new family at Celia’s House. Their father’s legacy lives on, supporting hospice families for years to come.
You can donate to the Black Family Food Program here:
sofriendsofhospice.org/acton-black-family-food-fund/
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