The process of mending a child's grieving heart begins with our belief that grief is a family process and often times a community process. The sharing of one's grief experience is the fundamental principle that guides Hearts and Hope.

The focus is on the child, but the caregiver or significant adult is required to attend the program. Adults participate in a parallel program that offers an educational component, as well as specific details to the progress of their child. All participants are given the opportunity to share, learn, and explore their own grief process in a unique environment.

For many, particularly children, the loss of a loved one can be a difficult time to verbally express their emotions. For many, it is a difficult time to even identify their emotions. Here at Hearts and Hope, we have found ways to help children identify and express their grief through a variety of creative avenues. Music, art, movement, writing, and a chance to interact with peers who have an understanding of what they are feeling through their own experience of loss, all present a safe and nurturing journey towards a mending heart.



Groups are structured by age appropriateness and address specific group formats which include loss through long term illness, accident, murder, suicide, and other losses.

  Littlest Hearts
Available to children 3 to 5 years and their families.
Available groups:
• Caregiver Loss
• Sibling Loss

 Brave Hearts
Available to children 6 to 9 and their families.
Available groups:
• Caregiver Loss
• Sibling Loss
• Grandparent or extended family loss

 Kid's Club
Available to children 10 to 12 and their families.
Available groups:
• Caregiver Loss
• Sibling Loss
• Grandparent or extended family loss.

 Connections
Available to children 13 to 17 and their families.
Available groups:
• Caregiver Loss
• Sibling Loss

 Adult Groups
Available to the caregivers & family of the participating children.
Available groups:
• Loss of a partner
• Loss of a child.