Volunteer Grief Mentor Training
WELCOME RECEPTION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH,
6:30-7:30PM |
TRAINING PROGRAM SPONSOR
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We at ACCESS have all survived or lost loved ones in air disaster-related tragedies and know how difficult the grieving process can be. Through the ACCESS Volunteer Grief Mentor program we put our hard-earned knowledge to use by helping those who are suffering in the wake of more recent air disasters.
If you have survived or lost loved ones in an air disaster-related tragedy (either aboard an aircraft or on the ground) we invite you to join us at our upcoming Volunteer Grief Mentor Training Conference in beautiful San Francisco, California on Saturday, February 6, 2010.
The training conference is designed for both new and existing Volunteer Grief Mentors. Even if you have already attended one of our training programs, it is important that you meet other new and existing volunteers and refresh and improve your mentoring skills.
By becoming a trained ACCESS Volunteer Grief Mentor you can use your firsthand experience with this type of tragic loss to help others who have survived or lost loved ones in air disasters. Your perspective on having survived a unique experience like this can provide invaluable insight to those just beginning their difficult journey through grief. Come join us and find out what a rewarding experience being a Volunteer Grief Mentor can be!
We would be so honored to have you join us for this life-changing experience! We will be hosting a welcome reception on Friday evening for those who can attend and you will have Saturday evening and all of Sunday to explore the city. This is a great opportunity to stay for the weekend in amazing San Francisco -- home to spectacular views, incredible fine dining, historic sights and more!
Many of our active Volunteer Grief Mentors who have attended our training programs find them so beneficial that they are returning to attend this training program to refresh their skills.
Our one-of-a-kind training conference brings together individuals from all across the nation who have all experienced the challenges associated with surviving or losing loved ones in air disasters. This intensive interactive training program will teach you the skills and techniques used by crisis counselors throughout the world. You will learn how to most effectively use your experience with tragic loss to help others affected by a similar loss. The program gives you the skills necessary to provide consistent and effective support to those in need. The program is designed to be challenging and enjoyable. You will learn: active listening techniques, crisis intervention strategies, how to establish rapport, and what to say when you don’t know what to say. The training utilizes teambuilding, problem solving and role-playing exercises to help participants find their comfort level in their role as Volunteer Grief Mentors and develop the skills that are necessary when responding to people affected by this specific type of grief/trauma.

Volunteers who complete this training program will receive an ACCESS Volunteer Grief Mentor Training Certificate and will become the ACCESS front-line to respond to those who call ACCESS for help.
Our Trainer:
“I thought Ken was an amazingly insightful person and ACCESS is really lucky to have him bringing his skills and his experiences to this organization.”
- Michael Daus, WY - lost his parents in a private aircraft
Our world-renowned trainer Dr. Ken Druck, PhD has touched millions of lives over the past 25 years through his books, Healing Your Life After the Loss of a Loved One, The Secrets Men Keep, and How To Talk to Your Kids. He has appeared on Larry King Live and Oprah and provides consulting and coaching work with the leaders and Executive Management Teams of Fortune 500 companies. He also heads the award-winning programs of The Jenna Druck Foundation, which he founded in 1996 following the tragic death of his daughter, Jenna.
Dr. Druck is often called upon in complex, critical incident situations such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. He is considered one of the world's top Executive Coaches, inspiring millions the world over with his message of hope and tangible strategies for turning life’s tragedies into opportunities.
Registration:
This program is open to both new and existing Volunteer Grief Mentors.
If you have friends or family who would like to become a Volunteer Grief Mentor, please extend this invitation to them.
Be sure to RSVP immediately as space is limited!
There is a $50 refundable registration deposit required to secure your spot. The fee will be returned to you upon completion of the program. This refundable deposit is required to secure your space in the training conference and to help us confirm the exact number of registered participants. Space is limited so please sign-up as soon as possible to secure your spot. All conference fees and program materials will be provided by ACCESS. This includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
You are required to attend the full day of training in order to receive your training certificate.
It is important to us that we keep in touch with you! Please update your contact information on the registration form or email us at info@accesshelp.org even if you are not attending the training.
Program Agenda:
Friday, February 5, 2010
6:30-7:30 PM - Wine and Cheese Welcome Reception
Location: Harbor Court Hotel Lobby- 165 Steuart Street (between Mission & Howard St) San Francisco, CA. http://www.harborcourthotel.com.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
8:00-8:45 AM - Breakfast and registration
8:45 AM-5:30 PM - Training program
Lunch will be provided
Location: 55 2nd St. (between Mission St. and Market St.) San Francisco, CA
Hotel Accommodations:
For those of you who are coming in from out of town, we have blocked off hotel rooms for our guests at the waterfront Harbor Court Hotel for $119 per night. This luxury hotel is located in downtown San Francisco on the beautiful Embarcadero, right on the edge of the bay. You MUST book your hotel room before Wednesday, January 15th 2010 to secure this rate. There are a limited number of rooms in this block so please make your reservation as soon as possible. Rooms will no longer be available at that rate after January 15th. (Waterfront rooms are available to us on a first come first serve basis -- so make sure to ask for a waterfront room!).
Harbor Court Hotel: To make your room reservation, please call: 866-792-6283 and book one of the ACCESS rooms. For more information about the hotel visit: www.harborcourthotel.com.
Click here for directions to the training program from the Harbor Court Hotel.
You are also welcome to book your own hotel room. There are often special deals and other affordable rates throughout the city. (The closest hotel to the training conference is The Westin San Francisco Market Street).
Airports: SFO and Oakland Airports
Ground transportation: Taxi or Super Shuttle: 800-BLUEVAN or 800-258-3826
If you are unable to attend due to extreme financial hardship, we have a limited number of scholarships available to assist with a portion of travel expenses. Please call Heidi at 917-549-3364 to discuss your situation and request an application.
Contact: For additional information and questions about the conference please contact Heidi Snow at 917-549-3364 or at heidi@accesshelp.org
We are excited to have you join us and become a trained ACCESS Volunteer Grief Mentor. Space is limited at the conference so please register immediately before we are full!
Our Volunteer Grief Mentors are the heart of ACCESS.
Thank you for volunteering.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Volunteer Grief Mentor feedback on ACCESS Training Conferences
I consider the ACCESS training to be in the top 10 of life changing days in my life…there was a whole group of people there who had been through similar experiences like I had and it was so easy to hear in their stories and experiences, my own story and my own experience…it also helped me realize that my experience is valuable to other people…
- Elizabeth Spooner Norton, CO - Private Aircraft
The training was really informative. I was given the tools to really help. The training materials gave me structure, direction and guidance.
- Shari Gemmill, WA. - EgyptAir 990
As a group everyone was very compassionate and caring…I now have a better understanding of communication.
- Jeff Bohlin, PA. - TWA Flight 800
After attending the training, I feel confident that I can lend support to those in a similar situation.
- Lyzbeth Glick Best, NJ - United Flight 93
I could not be an effective grief mentor without this training. It was helpful and well done…
- Margo Cushing, CA - EgyptAir 990
It was good to be learning with others who have experienced the same thing…it was definitely worth the time.
- Adelaide Marek, CT - Pan Am 103
The program was excellent, practical, effective and fun. The trainer knew his material, expressed it well…
- Alyce Branum, NY - EgyptAir 990
This was a very effective training program. I will find what I learned helpful with my children…
- Michelle Librett, NY - Swissair 111
The training materials gave me the knowledge and tools to help me with my work. As delicate as it is to talk to someone going through grief it is vital to be trained in order to help. It was great!...Thank you for giving us ACCESS!
- Lisa Kokal, MD - Private Aircraft
I enjoyed everything about the conference, even having to go well out of my comfort zone numerous times. It was a safe environment. It left me wanting to learn and practice more.
- Stephanie Schneiderman, CT - EgyptAir 990
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