The Institute for Spirituality and Health is set to host an impactful in-person Interfaith Spiritual Care Coalition (ISCC) Training event, titled "The Power of Presence." This initiative aims to strengthen the vital connection between healthcare settings and certified volunteers, enabling them to provide effective spiritual care to those in need. The ISCC, a flagship program within the Institute's Center for Aging and End of Life, is at the forefront of this transformative endeavor.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Virgil Fry, ISCC director, stated, “The Institute’s Interfaith Spiritual Care Coalition is dedicated to serving the underserved, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and homebound individuals. Since its inception in 2022, ISCC has successfully deployed spiritual care volunteers to 16 facilities, with plans for further expansion in the coming year. With over 1,800 one-on-one contacts made to date, the profound impact of our dedicated volunteers is evident in the meaningful relationships formed. As we continue training sessions and witness growing interest, ISCC remains unwavering in its commitment to providing compassionate support to those in need.”

Event Details: Interfaith Spiritual Care Coalition Training

This comprehensive training session will equip attendees with the skills to support individuals in need of spiritual care. The training includes specialized instruction applicable to all faith traditions, emphasizing the importance of genuine listening in aiding those seeking help.

Why Attend: Embracing Diversity in Spiritual Care

In an era of increasing diversity and interconnectedness, spirituality is expressed in various ways across cultures and traditions. This diversity presents an opportunity to extend care from a broad spectrum of faith traditions, acknowledging the proven significance of spirituality and faith in healing and end-of-life reflections.

ISCC addresses a critical gap in healthcare agencies, such as nursing homes, hospice facilities, and homebound healthcare, seeking enhanced spiritual care resources. The initiative began with the formation of an advisory team comprising faith leaders and social workers. Surveys conducted to assess the need for spiritual care training in the Houston area confirmed a substantial demand for certified spiritual care volunteers through ISCC’s outreach program.

Event Venue:

Location: Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center, 8100 Greenbriar Dr., Suite #300, Houston, Texas 77054

Date and Time: Saturday, February 3, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT