Volunteer Completes FMH Chaplaincy Training Program

 

Provide pastoral care and support for patients and their families

 

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

The Chaplaincy Program at Franklin Memorial Hospital welcomed its newest volunteer, Linda Fournier of Jay, in a ceremony held at the hospital chapel on July 9. Fournier joins ten other trained volunteers who visit with patients and family members weekly under the direction of hospital staff chaplains.

 

To qualify, Fournier completed a 100-hour training program of instruction and supervised visiting, under the direction of Staff Chaplains Rev. Douglas Allan Dunlap and Rev. Tim Walmer. The chaplaincy volunteer training includes studies on topics such as ethics, religious traditions, communications skills, prayer with patients, family support, and supervised visiting.

 

Fournier brings to the chaplaincy program prior experience as a licensed social worker and in serving people with disabilities and those in hospice care.

 

In addition to Franklin Memorial Hospital, Fournier volunteers in the community in many capacities, including assistance with the winter Warming Centers project of Farmington area churches. She is a member of Old South Church, United Church of Christ, in Farmington.

 

For additional information on the chaplaincy volunteer program call 779-2509. Inquiries are welcome from people of all religious traditions.