Howard Hand In Hand

Howard Hand In Hand Program for children

The Howard Hand In Hand Program at St. Joseph’s/Candler provides free support, education, and guidance to children and teens with a family member facing a life-threatening illness. This program helps young individuals understand and navigate the significant emotional and lifestyle changes that come with a loved one’s diagnosis. By addressing common feelings such as fear, sadness, anger and confusion, the program ensures that children do not feel alone during this difficult time. Its goal is to foster resilience and provide tools to process emotions healthily while maintaining a sense of normalcy and hope.

Thanks to a $150,000 donation from Howard Family Dental, this program offers life-changing resources for children and their families. Donor generosity helps ensure that all services remain free of charge and accessible to families across the region.

About the program

Howard Hand In Hand is designed to assist children and teens whose family members are experiencing severe illnesses, including cancer, heart failure and stroke. The program offers specialized counseling and support to meet the unique emotional needs of young individuals facing such life-altering circumstances.

Open and accessible to children across the Coastal Empire and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Howard Hand In Hand is inclusive and available regardless of whether the family member receives treatment at St. Joseph’s/Candler. This ensures no child is excluded from receiving help during their time of need.

The program aims to reduce the isolation and fear children feel when their parents are sick by offering a safe space to talk about their experiences. The services are tailored to each child’s situation, allowing for a more personal and impactful approach to care.

Key features:

• One-on-One Counseling: Sessions are customized to suit the needs of the child and their family, ensuring they receive the support they need where and when it is most convenient.
• Emotional Support: The program addresses many emotions, helping children better understand and manage their feelings while maintaining open and honest family communication.
• Family-Centered Approach: It prioritizes strengthening the child’s immediate support system by guiding parents and caregivers in fostering a nurturing and secure environment.

To schedule a session or learn more, call 912-819-5671. The program strives to meet families where they are, offering in-person or virtual sessions to ensure accessibility.

Howard Hand In Hand Program highlights

Personalized counseling

One-on-one counseling is a cornerstone of the Howard Hand In Hand program, offering children a private and secure space to express their feelings. These sessions are available in locations convenient for the child and their family or via Zoom for greater flexibility. Each session addresses the child’s unique situation, allowing them to ask questions, express their emotions, and learn coping strategies in a compassionate setting.

During these sessions, children are encouraged to open up about their concerns, whether it’s understanding the illness or dealing with anticipatory grief. Parents are often given tools to support their children outside of counseling, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared understanding within the family.

Counseling Highlights:

• Helping children manage fear, anger, sadness, and confusion.
• Strengthening family bonds by encouraging honest conversations.
• Guiding children in understanding and processing complex emotions.

Additional resources

In addition to counseling, social workers can meet with parents or caregivers to guide communicating effectively with their children. These professionals can answer questions, suggest strategies for handling difficult conversations, and offer emotional support for the entire family. A secure online form is also available for families to ask questions about cancer, grief or related topics, ensuring their concerns are addressed in a timely and confidential manner.

These resources aim to empower families to face the challenges of illness together, providing clarity and comfort during an uncertain time.

A legacy of compassion: Why Howard Family Dental chose to give

The program was made possible through the generosity of Howard Family Dental, inspired by the personal stories of its leaders: Dr. John Howard, the founder. Dr. Howard experienced the profound loss of his mother to cancer during his childhood, which gave him a deep understanding of the struggles children face when a parent is seriously ill. His empathy for children in similar situations fueled his commitment to making a difference in their lives.

Dr. Lindsay Sammons, Director of the Howard Family Dental Foundation, also understands the impact of a parent’s illness, having witnessed her mother’s fight against breast cancer as a young girl. Dr. Howard, Dr. Sammons, and the Howard Family Dental team partnered with St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundations to ensure that the Howard Hand In Hand program could serve as a lifeline for children in need. Their combined efforts ensure that children facing these challenges can find support and hope for the future

Supporting the mission

If you would like to contribute to the Howard Hand In Hand Program, you can do so through St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundations. Every contribution helps ensure that children in the program continue to receive the emotional support, guidance, and care they need free of charge. Your generosity can provide hope and healing to families navigating the most difficult periods of their lives.

Click here to donate now. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families facing life-threatening illnesses.