Peaceful Presence Project announces Connection Cafés, a welcoming space to talk about illness, death and grief

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Peaceful Presence Project, a nonprofit that reimagines and transforms the way communities talk about, plan for, and experience serious and terminal illness, is pleased to announce their Spring series of community-based Connection Cafés throughout Central Oregon.

From April 2 – June 18, community members can drop in to one or more of the gatherings taking place in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. There is no charge, no registration is required, and all are welcome.

Anyone who feels the need for connection and support can expect meaningful conversation, resource sharing, and connections with community members around the topics of illness, death, and grief, all in a compassionate environment.

“The cafés are a space for people to be in community during their experience of grief, loss, caregiving, or serious illness. It can feel so isolating, so these connections with others ‘who get it’ are important for our community members and our communities,” said Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of The Peaceful Presence Project. “We all have a part to play in supporting our neighbors, family, and friends in the last stage of life.”

The Sisters Connection Cafés meet at the Sisters Public Library on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 3:00-4:30, on April 2 and 16, May 7 and 21, and June 4 and 18. The Bend Connection Cafés meet at Larkspur Community Center from 1:30-3:00 on April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12 and May 19. The Redmond Cafés meet at the Redmond Senior Center from 1:00-2:30 on April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10. The Crooked River Ranch Cafés meet at the Heritage House from 1:30-3:00 on April 8, April 22, May 6, May 20, June 3. And online cafes for individuals navigating chronic and serious illness are scheduled from 1:00-2:30 on April 22, May 6, May 20, June 3 and June 17.

For more information about The Peaceful Presence Project, visit thepeacefulpresenceproject.org, and learn more about the Connection Cafés at tinyurl.com/3jr888na.

About The Peaceful Presence Project: The Peaceful Presence Project provides non-medical, thoughtful support to individuals and families facing serious and terminal illness. Founded on the Compassionate Community model of care, offerings include education to improve death and grief literacy, holistic and proactive planning for advanced illness care, and compassionate bedside presence.