Rachel Zielinski LCSWR - Hopeful Counseling

03/12/2026

03/11/2026

Please spread the word that there are Camper Spots available for this camp with therapeutic activities for grieving children available free of charge. The camp is held in Rochester area but available to children from areas outside of the Rochester area, as well. Please see details (below):

Camp Heartstrings/Camp Dreams

Help and Healing for Grieving Children
Camp Heartstrings/Camp Dreams is a three-day camp for children (entering grades 2-11 in September 2026) who are adjusting to the death of a loved one. Developed by Licensed Master Social Workers, this camp promotes understanding, acceptance, healing and hope through a comprehensive program of activities, as well as plenty of fun. It is staffed by credentialed professionals and trained volunteers and is sponsored by UR Medicine Hospice (a program of UR Medicine Home Care), Pittsford Youth Services, and Dreams from Drake.

Camp Details
Registration will begin on February 1, for the 2026 Camp Session.

Please Note: In order to attend camp in 2026, the loss of a loved one(s) must have occurred prior to January 2026.

When
June 29, June 30, and July,1
12:00–6:00 p.m. daily
Campers are required to attend all days and times.

Where
Nazareth College
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618

Cost
There is no cost to campers or their families. We are happy to provide this program free of charge.

Registration
Registration closes on April 17 or when 40 campers are registered. Please email Rita_Amorese@urmc.rochester.edu for an application.

For questions, please contact Michele Allman, LMSW, Bereavement Coordinator for UR Medicine Hospice (a program of UR Medicine Home Care) at (585) 274-4069 or at URMHC-CampHeartstrings@URMC.Rochester.edu.
You will receive confirmation that a reservation is held for your camper(s).

02/26/2026

That day from the moment she stepped away, he didn’t cry loudly. He didn’t run behind her. He just held on to that old orange toy — tight. Like it was the only thing that still smelled like comfort.

Wherever he goes, the toy comes with him.
He walks dragging it on the ground… not caring if it gets dusty.

Because to him, it’s not a toy. It’s a company.

When the world feels too big…

When the concrete floor feels too cold…

When the other monkeys sit with their mothers…

He quietly pulls that toy closer.

At night, he doesn’t search for anyone.

He folds his tiny body down, places the toy under his head, and sleeps softly… like he’s resting on a memory.

Maybe he doesn’t understand “absence.”
Maybe he doesn’t know the word “lonely.”

But he knows this —
holding something is better than holding nothing.

Sometimes what looks small to us
is everything to someone who’s waiting.

And in his tiny world,
that worn-out toy is not just cotton and cloth.

It’s comfort.
It’s safety.
It’s love he refuses to let go. 🧡

02/23/2026

For Seasonal Affective Disorder or Winter Blues:

02/22/2026

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02/17/2026

Join Yoga Revolution for a flow under the stars of the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium dome for a unique & grounding experience.

02/15/2026

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12/18/2025

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12/10/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMxdfa4wcwo

What is cyberbullying, and how can you protect the young people in your life? 🚨 Did you know that about 1 in 2 U.S. teens report having been cyberbullied?Cy...

10/03/2025

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2025

09/06/2025

Caregivers need support, too!

The Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Yates, Seneca, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung Counties. Call our free, 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 for information and support.