Building Bridges
Our Purpose:
Building Bridges is a unique support group for children and their families who have experienced loss through the death of someone significant in their lives. Trained staff and volunteers provide opportunities to recognize and express feelings in an environment that offers emotional support, validation, and encouragement to grieving children and their families. Peer groups help decrease the isolation often felt by children who grieve, as they learn that others have also experienced loss. With Building Bridges as support, children come together to share the experience of life.
Our Principles:
ACCEPTANCE of the expression and experience of a wide range of emotions in a safe environment.
VALIDATION of the unique quality of individual grief.
GUIDANCE through the painful days of mourning and adaptation to family change.
CREATION of skills and abilities which will effectively serve participants throughout life.
Our Program:
- Two six-week sessions are offered annually for children grades K-12. Check the Upcoming Events section for information on our next session.
- Groups are divided according to age, and each group is facilitated by carefully trained volunteers.
- Individual and group activities help the participants express their feelings and begin the journey toward grief resolution.
- Parents or caretakers attend a special adult session designed specifically for them.
- There is no charge to participate in Building Bridges and the program is open to anyone in the community.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Building Bridges program. Adults who have a special love for children, and a desire to help a child's grieving heart are encouraged to consider becoming a Building Bridges Volunteer. Training classes are offered to teach grief theory, developmental aspects of loss, the art of listening, and techniques to be used in the small groups. The six-week training is offered in the early fall on Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm. Applications are accepted at any time. The cost is $15 and class size is limited. For more information on becoming a volunteer, call Melissa at 658-6524 or email melissav@hosa.wcc.net.
Upcoming Events:
Building Bridges Volunteer Training: Call Melissa today at 658-6524 for more information or download an application here.
Building Bridges Spring 2012 Session: January 31 through March 6th on Tuesday evenings from 7-8pm. There is no charge to attend, and pre-registration is required. Application forms are available from your school counselor, the hospice office, or you can download an application here. For more information call Melissa at 658-6524 or email melissav@hosa.wcc.net.
Registration deadline is January 24th, 2012.
Other Resources:
Individual Grief Support for Children
Individual grief support is offered year round for children needing extra care after the death of a loved one. This service is available to anyone in the community. For more information, call Melissa at 658-6524.
To Learn more download our What Children Can Teach Us About Grief handout