Each children's group includes 8-12 similar-aged children, a seasoned group coordinator and 6-8 trained volunteers who meet twice a month for 90 minutes. A parent or caregiver must accompany each child and stay in the center throughout the meeting. Adults accompanying children are invited to participate in an informal Adult Discussion Group which meets simultaneously.
Opening Circle begins each children's group meeting with age-appropriate activities that help the children focus on and begin to explore their feelings. Next participants move freely among several rooms, each designed to provide a different avenue for expressing and understanding the complex emotions of grief.
Each children's session ends with a Closing Circle. Children, parents and volunteers gather to honor anniversaries and say farewell until the next time they meet.
The Volcano Room with its padded floors, walls and many pillows, is a safe place to let go of the loud, intense, often physical and wordless feelings of grief.
The Art Room offers a wide variety of supplies for the creative expressions of the children's emerging feelings.
The Soft Room provides toys, dress-ups and other props for children to use in role-playing activities.
The Activity Room, full of games, puppets, and toys, permits children to explore or retreat from their grieving process, according to their immediate needs.
The Sanctuary Room is a space for quiet communion and remembering where children can hang drawings, photographs and memorabilia.
Designed to encourage a teen's natural inclination to rely on each other for support, each teen group includes 10-15 teens and is monitored by a group facilitator and 4-5 volunteers.
The teen group provides a safe and accepting environment for teens to discuss, explore and share their experiences and feelings. Art, music and other activities sometimes are used to ease the process. The teens close their group by sharing personal thoughts or readings to carry with them until they meet again.
Parents and caregivers are invited to participate in the adult discussion groups which are designed to provide emotional and social support to the bereaved parents or caretakers.
In the adult group, participants can discuss specific issues or request general information on understanding the needs and behaviors of grieving children and teens.
Anonymous parent
