Reflections on My Time as Chair of the Emily’s House Family Advisory Council
by Bruno Geremia, Past Chair, Emily’s House Family Advisory Council
Since completing my service as Chair of the Emily’s House Family Advisory Council (FAC) in March of this year, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on how far the Council has come, the goals we accomplished, and future direction. Helping create the Council, then serving as it’s first Chair, has been one of the most humbling and rewarding chapters of my life. Emily’s House is more than a children’s hospice – it’s an environment of compassion, resilience, and support for families navigating unimaginable challenges. It has, indeed, been an honour to have played a small part in shaping this culture and philosophy of care for the child and the family.
Together, as council members, we bring the family’s perspective to help create and enhance the programs and services by partnering with Emily’s House staff. We provide our voices by sharing our experiences to educate and train staff and volunteers. At memorial events, our stories and reflections help bring comfort to other families. Fundraising and promotional events where attendees can hear directly from a family that has benefitted from the care provided by Emily’s House.
The Family Advisory Council began under Terms of Reference that were cobbled together before there was a committee. Several advisory councils were researched and helped provide a foundation upon which the first “Terms” were established. After several years it became evident that the “Terms” needed to be refined as the council was growing and developing its own unique identity. So, we set out to create our own Terms of Reference. It was quite an undertaking, but we accomplished our goal and I’m immensely proud of the work the members put in to get it done.
One of the important collaborations is reviewing the wording of Emily’s House literature and documents, including the applications for membership to the council, to make them more family friendly. Also, tailoring the recruitment and application process for prospective members to the Council, which needed to be differentiated from the client volunteers.
The dedication of our members is never more evident than when they volunteer their time to serve on event committees, particularly the Garden Memorial, Hike for Hospice, and Candlelight Memorial Service planning committees. They pour their creativity and compassion into planning these events with great enthusiasm and selflessness. Apart from these activities, they also plan and hold their own major fundraising events for Emily’s House – they inspire me to no end!
I am grateful to senior leadership and staff of Emily’s House for the support and patience they provided me in getting the Council established and running. Amanda, Kimberley, and Karen have been our backbone by providing resources, being the connection between the council and staff and departments and performing the administrative duties.
As new voices take leadership of the council, please know that you have my full support. Thank you to the council members for the faith, trust and support you have given me, I am honoured to continue serving with you. We have much more to do!
Bruno Geremia, Past Chair
Emily’s House Family Advisory Council
