|
allcove Beach Cities offers mental health and bereavement support services for young people thanks to Claire Towle (right) and Patty Ellis (left). As service providers in the center, Claire and Patty meet with people individually and offer support groups to address grief and find ways towards well-being. Let’s get to know Claire and Patty a little better!
Favorite Vacation Spot:
Claire: Hawaii! I love both Maui and the Kona Coast of the Big Island.
Patty: Wherever. At this period of my life, it's about spending time with family or friends.
Favorite Trait About Yourself:
Claire: I have a positive outlook on life and tend to see the glass more than half full rather than half empty! This has helped me manage a lot of challenging situations. One of my favorite sayings that reflects this is: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” - Helen Keller
Patty: Being present when I am with someone.
One talent you have that no one would guess:
Claire: I am not sure that this is a talent, but I enjoy writing silly limericks. Mostly fun little poems for friends and family.
Patty: I actually CAN cook.
What superpower would you have:
Claire: I would love to have a magic wand that would take away the pain of those who are suffering.
Patty: Teleporting to a destination with as much luggage as I want.
What made you want to get into this work:
Claire: My mother was a nurse and when I was a little girl she worked as a visiting nurse. She would frequently take me on her home visits. I remember one family that had a little girl my age and I could see and feel her sorrow. I was about 6 years old, and this was my first experience with empathy. At that moment, I realized I wanted to do something to help take away her pain. I became a social worker to try to fulfil the desire to help others. I know that I do not have a magic wand and I can’t make pain disappear, but I feel that I can help to make a difference. I have experienced grief and loss, both professionally and personally, and know the value of bereavement support. I want to make bereavement services available to the bereaved and I also want to educate the community on the immediate and long-term benefits of reaching out for support.
Patty: By attending a grief support group after my own loss, I realized I was not alone, and I began to slowly share and become reconnected with life. I gained a compassionate understanding for others who are grieving and learned first-hand the benefit that attending a support group can be to the bereaved. In time, I wanted to help others who were grieving. I never imagined I would be doing this kind of work and meeting so many extraordinary people who have lost loved ones. Now I can't imagine doing anything else.
What are you most excited about working at allcove Beach Cities: Claire: “Once a social worker, always a social worker.” I retired and then there was COVID! During the quiet time of COVID, I had time to reflect on my life and realized that I missed my work. I wanted to continue to do something with meaning and purpose. One of the most meaningful aspects of my work was helping the bereaved. When I learned about allcove Beach Cities, I was motivated to become involved and offer bereavement services. Youth who have experienced the death of a loved one often feel lost and alone and there are limited bereavement services available to them. I am thankful to be part of allcove Beach Cities.
In addition, I am very excited to be able to work with the allcove team in such a friendly and positive environment that is focused on youth wellness and preventive health. I appreciate the energy of the allcove program and enjoy collaborating with other health and mental health professionals. Several years ago, I had a close professional relationship with Beach Cities Health District. I have always valued that relationship and their program. I am honored to be able to continue the relationship with this outstanding new program.
Patty: After the death of a loved one and being with others who have also experienced a loss can make a positive difference and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
allcove Beach Cities provides that safe place and community for young people ages 12-25. It is an honor and privilege to be able to walk alongside young people, their parents/guardians and young adults by offering grief support either via individual sessions and/or in a group setting.
We’re so glad to have Claire and Patty as part of allcove Beach Cities, and to have their supportive services be offered as a resource here!
| 
