Lightways Hospice

August is National Grief Awareness Month, a time to recognize that grief is a deeply personal journey and that no one should have to walk it alone. 💙

Grief can begin long before the death of a loved one and continue long after. Whether you are coping with an anticipated death or navigating life after someone has died, Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care is here to provide compassionate support every step of the way.

Our free grief support services are available to anyone in the community and include:
💙 Individual & Family Counseling
💙 Grief Support Groups
💙 Workshops & Special Events
💙 Grief Education
💙 Summer Day Camp for Children

You do not have to face grief on your own. Healing begins with support, and we are here to help.

Learn more about our grief support services at www.lightways.org/grief-support/ or call 815.460.3282.

This National Grief Awareness Month, let us continue to break the silence surrounding grief, offer compassion to those who are hurting, and remind one another that hope and healing are possible.

💫 SAVE THE DATE 💫

Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care is proud to host our Fourth Annual Wonderlight Celebration.

📅 Thursday, September 24
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Firefly Pavilion at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle

This year's theme, "Caring Through the Senses," celebrates the meaningful ways compassion, comfort, and connection can be experienced through sight, sound, touch, taste, and scent. Join us for an inspiring evening of fellowship, reflection, and support in a beautiful setting.

As the largest nonprofit hospice program in northern Illinois, Lightways is honored to provide compassionate care to our community. Proceeds from this special evening will benefit our dedicated Integrative Therapies Team, supporting services such as massage therapy, music therapy, and aromatherapy for hospice patients and their families.

Together, we'll celebrate the extraordinary impact these therapies have in bringing comfort, connection, and peace during life's most challenging moments.

Guests will enjoy a gourmet plated dinner, raffle baskets, and more.

If you are interested in donating an item or sponsoring the event, please contact Nikki Gardner at 815.740.4104 or [email protected].

🔗 Learn more at www.lightways.org/wonderlight

Did you know that Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care provides Grief Support Services to anyone in our community who are in need of services at no charge? Check out our August Grief Support programs.

We understand the unique concerns of those grieving. Our licensed grief counselors provide individual and family counseling. Additionally, we offer a slate of workshops, support groups and special programs aimed at grief education, self-care during intense grief reactions and developing coping skills that assist in working through the grief process.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Grief Support Team at 815.460.3295 or email [email protected].

Exciting news! The Lightways Hospice Guild is now on Facebook!

The Lightways Hospice Guild is dedicated to supporting the mission of Lightways Hospice & Serious Illness Care (founded as Joliet Area Community Hospice) through community outreach, public relations, and fundraising efforts that help make compassionate, expert care possible for patients and families.

By following the Guild, you'll stay up to date on volunteer opportunities, special events, fundraising initiatives, and inspiring ways to make a difference in our community.

💙 Please take a moment to follow the Lightways Hospice Guild and help us grow this wonderful community of supporters: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592486108984

Together, we can continue bringing comfort, dignity, and compassionate care to those who need it most.

August is Grief Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, foster understanding, and remind those who are grieving that they don't have to navigate their journey alone. 💙

We're proud to spotlight one of our own! Our Grief Support Team Leader, Nicollette Vasquez, recently joined the "Patty's Place" podcast for an honest and compassionate conversation about grief, healing, and the importance of support. The discussion explores how grief looks different for everyone, the value of giving yourself grace, and why having a supportive community can make all the difference.

Whether you're grieving the death of a loved one, supporting someone through their journey, or simply looking to better understand grief, this conversation offers meaningful insights and encouragement.

🎧 Watch the podcast here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQU2Jk7Him4

If you or someone you know could benefit from compassionate grief support, visit www.lightways.org/grief-support/ to learn more about Lightways' grief support services and available resources.

This Grief Awareness Month, let's continue the conversation, support one another, and help ensure no one has to grieve alone.

💙 Building Bridges of Support

Join us for this FREE two-part hybrid training and learn how to better support those grieving the death of a loved one. Led by Lightways Grief Counselors, this interactive program is open to community members, professionals, and anyone looking to make a difference.

📅 August 11 & 18, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Check-in & light breakfast at 8:30 AM)

🎓 Certificate of completion + up to 6 CEUs available.

Register today:
🔹 Part 1: http://www.lightways.org/event/building-bridges-of-support/2026-08-11/
🔹 Part 2: http://www.lightways.org/event/building-bridges-of-support/2026-08-18/

Questions? Call 815.460.3282.

Happy Work Anniversary to our dedicated team members! Thank you for your continued commitment to the Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care mission. We could not deliver quality, compassionate care without your devotion to our patients and families.

For information about employment opportunities at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, call 815.740.4104 or visit our website at www.lightways.org/careers

Thank You to Our 2026 Annual Sponsors!

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our 2026 Annual Sponsors for their unwavering support in helping us provide exceptional hospice and serious illness care to our patients and their families. Your generosity truly makes a difference, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment.

If you’d like to join us as an annual sponsor or make a donation, please reach out to our Development Department at 815.740.4104 or visit www.lightways.org/donate.

Come grow with us at Lightways! 💛

We’re proud to be a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for five consecutive years. As we expand into the northern region, we have multiple openings across a variety of roles.

Join a mission-driven team that offers meaningful work, a supportive environment, and competitive benefits.

Explore current opportunities and apply today: www.lightways.org/careers

Every child deserves compassionate, personalized care, and every family deserves support along the way. 💙

The Lightways Pediatric Care Program provides specialized care for children and young adults from birth through age 21 who are living with serious illnesses. We partner with families by honoring their goals, values, and choices while including them in care decisions every step of the way.

Our focus is to enhance the quality of life for your child and your family with care centered on what matters most to you.

To learn more about our Pediatric Care Program, call 815.740.4104 or visit www.lightways.org/pediatric-care/.