REM Award Honorees (2019) — Sonya Houle (Hospice Volunteers)
Sonya Houle’s first experience with Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area was with the Hope’s Place for Grieving Children’s program after her son Nathan died in 2005. Because her family found so much hope and healing through the program, she wanted to give back by becoming a Hope’s Place facilitator. She completed the training in October 2009 and has been volunteering ever since.
In the past ten years, Sonya has facilitated all groups, spanning ages 3-18 years, as well as the adult group. Sonya has also volunteered at Camp Ray of Hope, HVWA’s weekend retreat for grieving families. She led workshops and facilitated groups supporting participants through their grief journey during the weekend of hope and healing. She has also facilitated other groups through the adult bereavement program. These include pregnancy loss and accidental overdose.
Sonya’s compassion and heart for helping those who are hurting and feel hopeless shines bright through the work that she does. In addition to her work at HVWA, she has volunteered in jail ministry since 2014. Her passion for helping has also led her to make multiple trips to Uganda, Africa to serve the people in the communities there.
We truly appreciate Sonya and all that she does for others.
For more information about Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, please visit its website.