Death Cafe profile for Jan Schreiber
Location: United States
About Jan Schreiber:
Over the past decade I have worked as a Hospice volunteer in both Houston, TX and Charleston, SC. I am also an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church. Research is a passion of mine, especially in the area of genealogy!
What brings you to Death Cafe?
I am very committed to open and respectful dialogue on the topic of death...and I love the uplifting feeling of community at these get-togethers.
Thoughts for sharing:
I passionately believe that by shining a light on and through a subject, which is rarely discussed and in hushed tones, people can find the peace and solace to move forward.
My interest, however, is celebrating and helping others make the most of LIFE.
Contact Jan Schreiber
Jan Schreiber's posts on the Death Cafe website
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on March 14, 2018, 2:41 p.m.
Once again, we met at THE BRIDGE TO AVALON. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and the first day of daylight savings time. Maybe explains why we had 4 no-shows! Nevertheless, we did a good job of filling the room with 14 participants. Half of the guests were new to Death Cafe, but that didnt stop us from having a very full and interesting conversation. Topics ranged from painful, first hand experience with spousal, sibling and parental loss, to helping friends transition through the death experience themselves. It was acknowledged that death conversation is becoming more mainstream!
With Jan Schreiber
March 11, 2018, 1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Free of charge. Complimentary refreshments. But do RSVP, space is limited.
We have been getting together for over 3 years, and I personally, am blown away! Truly.
Some of us have shed tears, but we've also exploded in laughter.
And ...
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on Dec. 5, 2017, 2:59 p.m. 1 comment
Apparently, a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon didn’t keep people away! With over 17 participants, 11 were first-timers. Possibly, because it was scheduled at the beginning of the (sometimes difficult) holidays or because the venue, Bridge To Avalon, “is a “spiritual center & collaborative environment for the healing arts” ...either way, people arrived ready to share. And share they did!
It was a deeply emotional afternoon, with discussion relating to profound loss, resistive acceptance, deep sorrow & rage.
Comments included: ok to be angry, thankful for the conversation, healing, expanded perspective/compassion, very uplifting, less prompting from the facilitator, meet more often please!
Am hoping to schedule the next Low ...
With Jan Schreiber
Nov. 18, 2017, 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Free of charge. Complimentary refreshments. But do RSVP, space is limited.
We have been getting together for over 2 years, and I personally, am blown away! Truly.
Some of us have shed tears, but we've also exploded in laughter.
And ...
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on May 13, 2017, 5:19 p.m. 1 comment
This month we met at the same venue, but a little earlier this time. A few people had requested to meet during daytime hours and we had a comfortable turn-out of 10 people. Half the people were new and a few had been searching for us. The group was quite thoughtful and personal in their sharing. Some people returned after experiencing a recent loss. There is also some interest in expanding the Death Cafe in our area. Very exciting to see the Low Country Death Cafe expand!
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on Dec. 9, 2016, 1:53 p.m.
We met at a new venue: The Refuge cafe, and it provided a respite after the busy Thanksgiving holiday. Although it had been several months since we had last gathered, there were 2 new people among the 8 that attended.
I purposely scheduled the date after the presidential election and between the holidays. As a result, it seemed that the guests were more open and vulnerable in their sharing about loss. And, at the close of the meeting, nearly everyone stayed on to share a late meal and continue the conversation!
With Jan Schreiber
May 9, 2017, 4.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. (Eastern)
No cost to attend
We 're meeting again on The Isle of Palms at "The Refuge". You can't miss it - just left of the Connector, as you come onto the island..it's ...
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on June 11, 2016, 3:22 p.m.
A dozen participants (regulars & several "newbies") gathered on a Tuesday evening for wine, cheese and the conversation surrounding death. Prior to the start of the meeting, one gentleman, stating he was curious, wandered in while we were setting up. He enjoyed a glass of wine, chatted briefly and quickly departed!
At recent Cafes, there had been much discussion about sharing final desires and how detailed they might be. We talked about available options, states offfering assisted dying and the various organizations that provide guidance.
While most of the evening proved to be rather serious and dry, I received positive comments in the evaluations.
With Jan Schreiber
June 7, 2016, 5.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Eastern)
Donations gratefully accepted (refreshmensts, paper goods)
We have been getting together for more than a year, and I personally, am blown away! Truly.
Some of us have shed tears, but we've also exploded in laughter ...
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on April 22, 2016, 1:01 p.m.
Very small group (only 5 people), With one new attendee. Yet overall the comments were very positive: "love the open dialogue platform of sharing", "outstanding!", "raging success".
Our discussion was very personal and thought-provoking. The connection between us all was quite profound.
At our previous March meeting, many attendees requested getting together more often. But, due to the small group that did show up, I think we'll skip May and return in June.
Nevertheless, I can't help but wonder, that because our group was small, we created more intimacy...
With Jan Schreiber
April 14, 2016, 5.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Eastern)
Donations gratefully accepted (refreshmensts, paper goods)
We have been getting together for more than a year, and I personally, am blown away! Truly.
Some of us have shed tears, but we've also exploded in laughter ...
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on March 15, 2016, 12:26 p.m.
Once again, our Death Cafe was held at the main branch of the Charleston Public Lbrary. I sense the beautiful spring weather kept a few more people away this time (hard to be inside)!
We had 7 attendees, with 2 new people joining the discussion. As a result, the conversation was more personal then most. Everyone responded positively, requesting the introduction of more topics, ie, 5 Wishes, End of life care, green burial...
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on Jan. 13, 2016, 12:50 p.m.
The main library in downtown Charleston was a new (and welcome!) venue for the Low Country Death Cafe. We numbered 16 and our roundtable discussion flowed from the get-go. Half of the participants were past attendees, with the rest new to the Cafe. We had a few more young people join us this time, which further expanded the dialogue.
Comments were very positive/helpful with several suggestions: Better to meet on a Thursday evening, rather than a Monday. Start scheduling a calendar of future Cafes. Limit introductions to a few minutes each. Introduce a few topics to encourage continued indepth discussion.
I sense the Death Cafe is gaining ...
With Jan Schreiber
March 10, 2016, 5.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Eastern)
Donations gratefully accepted (refreshmensts, paper goods)
With Jan Schreiber
Jan. 11, 2016, 5.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Eastern)
$5 suggested donation to help reduce refreshment costs is appreciated!
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on Oct. 26, 2015, 9:26 a.m.
Our 4th Low Country Death Cafe was again held on a beautiful, sunny day, at Serenity Now Yoga Studio. Of the 15 people that attended, the majority were newcomers. Introductions were lengthy and personal.
Although, this large group was candid with their sharing, I think in the future, it would be advantageous to break into smaller groups. We will also return to a 2 hour schedule (rather than 90 minutes)!
Hopefully, this will insure a more indepth and expansive conversation.
The feedback was positive, with many requesting the next meeting to be scheduled sooner, rather than later!
With Jan Schreiber
Oct. 18, 2015, 4.30 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. (Eastern)
$5 suggested donation to help reduce refreshment costs is appreciated!
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe Low Country
Posted by Jan Schreiber on May 19, 2015, 8:24 p.m.
A beautiful Saturday in the Low Country and yet, we still had 9 attendees! 7 women and 2 men ranging in ages: 20's - 70's. A few participants were active in Hospice and others had recently experienced personal loss. There was quite a bit of participation, with the evaluations reflecting complimentary enthusiasm.
With Jan Schreiber
May 16, 2015, 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (est)
Free of charge
Everyone is welcome, but please RSVP, so we have an idea of how many will be attending:
843/906-3282 or jans17@bellsouth.net
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe Low Country
Posted by Jan Schreiber on March 19, 2015, 3:40 p.m.
At South Carolina's 2nd Cafe, I was interested in trying a new venue (restaurant vs. a yoga studio) and scheduled a weekday evening, instead of a weekend afternoon. Although I requested rsvp's-only half of the participants contacted me. As a result, there was a little confusion initialy in the table arrangement. Of the 9 attendees, 6 were " first-timers". Both male & female & 50-75 yrs of age. I personally felt the absence of a more varied age group.
Unfortunately, the venue was a little distracting with kitchen noise. Nevertheless, the group was quite animated, forthcoming & opinionated!. The sharing ranged from personal funeral wishes, processing loss, wills & probate, to ...
With Jan Schreiber
March 11, 2015, 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. (est)
Free of charge
Everyone is welcome, but please RSVP, so we have an idea of how many will be attending:
843/906-3282 or jans17@bellsouth.net
Food & beverage will be available for purchase.
Death Cafe write up: Lowcountry Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on Jan. 19, 2015, 3:35 p.m.
After a week of nasty weather, the sun came out for the first Death Cafe in South Carolina! Refraining from requesting an RSVP, I was delighted that 11 people attended. Held in a yoga studio, with homemade cakes, coffee + tea - it appears to have been a resounding success!
A few attendees were recent widows, others already familiar with the website, some just curious & one person had traveled several hours to join us.
All were very positive in their feedback:
"opened a pathway to both tears & laughter", "so comfortable","its not about only death, its about humanity","safe + open environment", interesting perspectives", and "got an idea for my next ...
With Jan Schreiber
Jan. 17, 2015, 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (EST)
Open to the community & free of Charge.
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