Empty Arms' Peer Companion Program

The Empty Arms Companion Program is based on a program that Share has successfully run in the Midwest for many years. Our local program is now in place at Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Holyoke Medical Center, and Mercy Family Life Center. Empty Arms Peer Companions are trained to assist families who are experiencing a stillbirth or newborn death. Our Empty Arms Peer Companions are bereaved parents who have been involved in Empty Arms for at least two years and have felt ready to move into the role of offering support to others. Our companion training includes 8 hours of classroom training, individual consults, and mentoring. 

When the hospital calls in a companion, they provide support in a multitude of ways: 

Companions provide emotional support...

Parents facing the imminent or recent death of their baby are often in shock, and the presence of a compassionate, empathetic person can be immeasurably helpful. The presence of a companion in a hospital at the time of the loss ensures that the family gets the emotional support that they need from a companion who has experienced a similar loss. Companions will listen to all aspects of a family's story, help them to make difficult decisions, and when appropriate, share their own experience.

Each Peer Companion has been trained in the art of creating baby hand casts, offering detailed photography, and putting together memory boxes. Companions can help to advocate for families, making sure that each family has the experiences with their baby that they need. Companions also have access to a list of area professional photographers who offer their services at no cost to bereaved families.

Companions establish a long term source of support for families.

Families return home from the hospital having already made a connection with the Empty Arms community. Companions gently walk families through their options for receiving continued support from the Empty Arms community, ensuring they will not be isolated in their grief following the death of their baby.

We are Actively Recruiting NEW Peer Companions from Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties:

Are you a bereaved parent who has found strength and support through your journey with Empty Arms? Do you feel ready to support others who are experiencing the loss of a baby? Do you live in Hampshire, Hampden, or Franklin County?

Join our Empty Arms Companion Program and make a profound difference in the lives of families during their most challenging times. Our companions visit hospitals and provide essential emotional support, help families make difficult decisions, and create cherished mementos. As a companion, you will receive comprehensive training and ongoing mentoring, ensuring you are well-prepared to offer compassionate, empathetic support to those in need.

We are particularly seeking companions who can mirror the variety of backgrounds, languages, and cultures of our community. Our focus in Peer Companion recruitment is to try to mirror the population we serve. We are mindful of the fact that having companions who share the life experiences, which are impacted by language, race, culture, age, relationship status, financial security, and the presence (or lack) of living children, is a key part of supporting newly bereaved families. 

Peer companions are compensated $50 per visit.

If you’re interested in learning more, please email Dianna Martin at companion@emptyarmsbereavement.org.

*photo credits are due to Erin Long Photography and Jessica Marie Photography for their beautiful work with these families.