Southcoast Health Hosts the 21st Annual Angel Wings Retreat
Southcoast Health 
This year Southcoast Health hosted the 21st annual Angel Wings Retreat, a two-day bereavement program for children and teens ages 6-15, at Camp Welch in Assonet.
For over 20 years, the Angel Wings Retreat has provided an educational, therapeutic experience to help counter the feeling of isolation that children can often experience after losing a loved one. This year, over 65 children attended and there was an overwhelming response from volunteers who served as retreat counselors, activity leaders and assistants who provided general help to the Southcoast Health at Home team leading the program.
The program focuses on providing support in a safe, non-judgmental environment, where children can explore their thoughts and feelings about loss alongside other children who are going through a similar situation. This year’s theme was centered around storytelling and encouraged the group to reflect on and share positive memories of their loved ones.
“It is an honor to see how this program helps children navigating the complex feelings that come with grief,” said Judy Nadeau, Manager of Volunteer Services at Southcoast Health at Home and Co-Director of the Angel Wings Retreat. “Every year, it warms my heart to see the connections formed among the group as they go through the program.”
Throughout the weekend, children are grouped by age so conversations and activities can be tailored to where each child is developmentally. In addition to providing bereavement support, the outdoor retreat features many fun activities including lawn games, swimming, arts and crafts, and a touch a truck event made possible by the Freetown Fire Department.
Southcoast Health is especially grateful to our generous donors who donated backpacks of supplies for each camper in addition to Representative Carole Fiola and Senator Michael Rodrigues for their support of the Angel Wings Retreat. This year, Representative Fiola secured $100,000 in funding for the program.
“It is an honor to have been able to secure funding for the Angel Wings program. Having witnessed the emotional impact that this 21 year-strong program provides these children is evidence of its success. It’s important to recognize as well, the 75 volunteers that donate their time to this wonderful initiative,” said State Representative Carole Fiola after visiting the retreat on Sunday, July 12.
Camp Welch is operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River. Southcoast Health is thankful for their partnership in hosting this retreat every summer.
To learn more about how you can support Southcoast Health at Home programs such as the Angel Wings Retreat please visit: www.southcoast.org/giving/.
