Hearts and Hope, Inc.

School Grief Groups

During the 2001 school year, Hearts and Hope, Inc. introduced an outreach program that was created to provide a grief support experience for children in the school system. These groups meet during a six to ten week program. The students are provided with an education about grief and its process, an opportunity to identify and explore related emotions and feelings, and to enhance coping skills to aid their healing. These tasks are achieved through a variety of play, art and other activities. The support groups are facilitated by an experienced Hearts and Hope, Inc. staff member.

Our aim is to prevent the “frozen blocks of time” experience so that a child may move comfortably forward through the grieving process. This allows the child to decrease feelings of isolation, abandonment and an opportunity to express his or her feelings. Our aim is to lovingly assist the child’s journey towards a mended heart.

There is no fee for the School Outreach Program Groups.  Support groups are held during school or immediately following the school day.

“Children do not understand death, nor do they know how to grieve. Early intervention with children and their families can prevent further pain and tragedies from occurring.” On Call (1997)
 

Eligibility

Your child is eligible to participate in our School Outreach Program if:

• The school your child is attending offers the program;
• They have experienced the death of a loved one;
• The caregiver/ legal guardian completes and signs the consent and permission forms.