WHEELING, IL—Some calls you will never forget. They move you to turn the radio off when you hear “Welcome to the Jungle” or prompt you to take another route in order to avoid the site of that accident, suicide, or murder scene that is embedded in your memory. Too often there’s no organized debrief or talk-down session to help you cope, because “You knew what you were getting into.” On June 21st, Funeral Professional Peer Support (FPPS) and the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) mark the one-year anniversary of offering open peer support meetings to provide a forum for healing discussions about the everyday stresses of the funeral profession.
FPPS Founder Michael Dixon facilitates this special meeting to talk about the experience that spurred him to initiate these peer-to-peer meetings: “When I told my colleagues what I was dealing with, many of them said ‘Man, I am going through the same thing. I am tired, frustrated, and burnt out and I am thinking of leaving.’ So, instead of staying quiet and only worrying about me, I reached out . . . and you’re invited to reach back.”
During the June meeting, Michael will share his story and explain how he found new enthusiasm for his job and his life with the help of support. He will encourage participants to share their own experiences about what makes this career challenging and what makes it rewarding. People of all backgrounds, experiences, and locations are welcome. And even if you don’t have a pressing issue to discuss, the meetings are a valuable place to offer support to your colleagues, too!
Sadly, recent events have provided ample instances where funeral professionals are called to serve victims of mass casualties. We particularly invite those who found themselves serving their communities while simultaneously grieving along with them—in the last month or at any time throughout their career —to find connection and comfort in peer support. If you are not available to join Tuesday, contact CANA about starting a peer support meeting near you.
If you work for a funeral home, cemetery, or crematory serving the public or supporting those who do, connect with us on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link at goCANA.org/peersupport. Students, apprentices, and interns are welcome to join as well.
About Funeral Professional Peer Support
Funeral Professional Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community.
About CANA
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,500 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
