The Shira Ruskay Center

Next Doula Training starts March 4, 2010: [Learn more...]

Working With Clients at the End-of-Life — Expanding Your Skills and Comfort: A workshop for professionals. February 18 or May 13, 2010: 9:00AM-12:30PM [Learn more & register...]

The non-sectarian Doula to Accompany and Comfort Program trains Doula volunteers who provide companionship and comfort for people whose life expectancy is 18 months or less. Doulas serve those who have limited support from family and friends. Well prepared Doulas provide emotional, spiritual and social support comfort and companionship.

Doulas and their clients represent a range of ages, ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds.

The Doula to Accompany and Comfort program:

Recruits, trains and supervises volunteers who visit people near the end-of-life in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and at home.
Provides Doula volunteers for clients of New York agencies and institutions who serve clients who are at the end-of-life.
Provides consultation and conducts trainings for institutions that want to create their own in-house Doula program.
Offers continuing education and training to healthcare professionals who work with people who are at the end-of-life.
Provides consultation outside of New York City to organizations interested in replicating the volunteer Doula Program.

An intimate description of the relationship between a Doula and his client may be found in a New York Times article titled "In Death Watch For Stranger, Becoming a Friend to the End", Sunday, January 25, 2004.

Read a personal narrative from a Doula volunteer in the Spring 2009 issue of Forbes Woman.

©2010 The Shira Ruskay Center
120 West 57th Street · New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 664-1632 · Fax: (212) 399-2475 ·
[JBFCS site] [Jewish Connections Programs]