Connect & Celebrate
Join us online to celebrate


 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 7:00 pm
CaringMatters' signature fundraiser, Silver Linings, is being transformed this year into an inspirational online event, awards ceremony, and unveiling of a special Keepsake Book. With our virtual format and free admission, we are excited to celebrate with a record number of guests.

Due to pandemic, the need for our compassionate support services is greater than ever, as our community is confronting complicated illness and unprecedented grief. Together, we can ensure emotional lifelines are available for every member of our community.

Silver Linings 2020 Honorees
Can we count on your support?

  • Register for our online event
  • Become a sponsor
  • Place a tribute message in our Keepsake Book
  • Buy a Keepsake advertisement
  • Make a gift of any size

Click HERE to view a list of current sponsors.

Community Education
LGBTQ2+ Seriously Ill Seniors: 
Opportunities for Better Care 

Thursday, October 8th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
(Note: New Time)

Free of charge. Registration required.
Join us for a special webinar with Gary Gardia, LCSW, APHSW-C, a palliative care social worker with over three decades of experience working with seriously ill patients and those receiving hospice care. This session aims to elevate the level of care and inclusion for senior members of the LGBT2Q+ population. It will provide the information and tools necessary to help ensure they receive the compassionate care they need and deserve.

The session will:
  • define key terms we frequently hear related to LGBT2Q+ persons
  • describe common health care challenges, fears, and risks seriously ill LGBT2Q+ seniors may experience
  • explore ways to can help ensure compassionate care for people in need 
Thank You to our Community Education Sponsor
Online Film Screening & Discussion
November 19th, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Free of Charge
 
November 19th is National Children's Grief Awareness Day, a special observance designed to help us all become more aware of the needs of grieving children — and of the benefits they obtain through the support of others. We are partnering again with WPSU Penn State and the New York Life Foundation to discuss and explore the diverse representations of children's grief in the new documentary, "Speaking Grief," View the trailer below.
Panelists:
  • Gilly Cannon, Director of Children's Bereavement Services
  • Dominique Duong, CaringMatters Board Member; Development Director, New York Life Insurance
  • Jim Rossi, Director of Adult Bereavement Services
 
The film and the online discussion are free of charge.
Registration is required.
Children's Bereavement Programs
VIRTUAL Family Nights
Thursday, October 29th, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Our virtual Family Nights, offered free of charge, bring grieving families together online ahead of holidays and other special days to promote sharing and communication. Art activities, facilitated by trained volunteers, encourage parents and children to create something together as a way to continue conversations about their loved ones and to help keep their memories alive.

For the virtual program, families will need:
  • a space where they can do an art project together
  • a device, preferably a tablet or computer, to access Zoom

CaringMatters will deliver all necessary art project materials prior to the online workshop. To learn more visit our website or contact Penny Gladhill at [email protected], 301-990-0852.

Upcoming Family Nights, to be held online,
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Pre-Thanksgiving, October 29, 2020 (registration deadline Oct. 23)
Pre-Winter Holidays, December 10, 2020 (registration deadline Dec. 4)
Pre-Valentine’s Day, February 4, 2021 (registration deadline Jan. 29)
Pre-Spring Holidays, March 18, 2021 (registration deadline March 12)
Pre-Mother’s Day/Father’s Day, May 6, 2021 (registration deadline April 30)

VIRTUAL Camp Erin - Registration Open
Friday, Nov. 13 (afternoon) - 
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 (afternoon)
CaringMatters is converting this year's Camp Erin program to a virtual format.
  • Zoom sessions throughout the day with frequent breaks.
  • The program and the materials will be provided free of charge.
  • Please share this information widely.
  • Space is limited! Register now!
Thank you to our major Camp Erin Montgomery sponsors!
CaringMatters' Legacy Circle
We are grateful and honored to know that so many people care about the future of CaringMatters and have made plans to support the organization in their estate planning. The founding members of the Legacy Circle have taken this opportunity to ensure that their legacy endures, reflects their values, and supports a meaningful cause.

Would you like to become a founding member
of the Legacy Circle by pledging a planned gift today?
The Founding Members of the Legacy Circle will be announced during the Silver Linings virtual celebration on October 21, 2020.

For more information or to arrange a planned gift, please contact
Jamie Phannavong, [email protected] or 301-990-8903.
Welcome New Staff
Please join us in welcoming a new staff member! As the new Children's Bereavement Program Assistant, Denese Scott will work with the Good Grief Clubs and Family Nights programs providing support to grieving children and families.

Denese has been volunteering with several programs throughout CaringMatters for a few years, including Children’s Bereavement, Camp Erin, administrative support and special projects, as well as co-facilitating Adult Bereavement Support Groups.

"After volunteering and participating in numerous grief support programs, I found not only healing and a path forward for my own grief, but also a community and a new purpose. I look forward to contributing to this important mission to give compassionate support to others who are grieving."

Read Denese's bio HERE.
Supporter Focus: Women Who Care
Thank you to the 100 Women Who Care Alliance of Lower Montgomery County for their support of CaringMatters and our Camp Erin program. The group serves the community by identifying needs and pooling charitable dollars to provide meaningful contributions to fund meritorious projects proposed by local charitable organizations. We are honored that they took time to learn about our mission and chose to support us!