A heart full of hope in a time like this? Yes! Hope is what I have – even as we stand as an organization that has been affected by the current economic situation. Why hope? I hope because every day I see lives changed. Like Maria who participated in our caregiver loss group. She recently wrote to share how much she has learned from her time here and how it is spilling over into other areas of her life. Even more heartwarming, how her young son has been transformed during his time at Hearts and Hope into a young boy who now supports and loves others in their time of need thanks to the love and support he received while with us.
I believe in hope because I know that Hearts and Hope’s outcomes show the real impact our services have on the children we serve and their families. From our warm, little home in downtown West Palm Beach, we serve nearly 1,000 individuals throughout Palm Beach County, through our inhouse grief support group programs and our education and outreach services. Those touched by our programs come to us because Hearts and Hope is the only center of its kind in our region. We not only focus solely on grief support but we are also the only organization based on a national model of care in the immediate area.
It is a widely accepted fact that children who are bereaved are a vulnerable population. Because children have not fully developed their coping skills, they are at risk of developing psychological and behavioral dysfunctions as well as other social difficulties. If left unattended, grief in children can lead to depression, psychiatric problems and possible suicide as adults (Ayyash-Abdo, 2001). Years of research has shown that children who receive group counseling within one year of a significant loss in their lives demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in overall negative emotions than children who receive no counseling. In addition to a decrease in negative emotions, there is also a decrease in depression and behavioral disturbances (Tonkins, et al, 1996).
At Hearts and Hope, we have seen this research in action with every child we serve. At the time of intake and discharge, we provide surveys for both the child and primary caregiver to complete. Overwhelmingly the children we serve show significant improvements in their overall behavior and coping. For example upon intake to our six-week school group for grieving children, only three of the 31 children could identify three coping skills. After completing the Hearts and Hope program, all 31 children could identify at least three ways in which to handle their emotions. Of the teens (ages 13-17) discharged from Hearts and Hope in 2007-2008, nine out of 11 stated that they felt either “much better” or “a little better” since attending our program. All ten children discharged from the “Kids Club” group (ages 10-12) affirmed that the activities at Hearts and Hope and participation in the program were either helpful or very helpful.
Most importantly, I hope because I believe in our friends, families and donors who understand the difference we make in lives. I know that during these challenging times, you will step up and ensure that Hearts and Hope will be there for the children and their caregivers who need our help to mend their grieving hearts.
Truly from my heart,
Patrice Austin
CEO/Founder
