Volunteered at New Hope for Grieving Children and Families in Maitland, Florida during 1999-2000.
About New Hope
New Hope’s Center for Grieving Children is the only grief support system in Central Florida strictly for grieving children that is held in a supportive, caring and friendly atmosphere. All sessions are held in a lovely house located in Maitland, Florida. New Hope’s volunteers come from all walks of life and contribute the much needed time and effort to help New Hope.
Center for Grieving Children is a support program for grieving children and for those who are part of their lives.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Center for Grieving Children, an affiliate program of New Hope for Grieving Children & Families, provides a safe and supportive environment where children grieving the death of a loved one can share their experience. Offering a unique opportunity for children to begin and continue their grief journey, which continues as they move through the healing process. New Hope also extends support for family members, caregivers, schools and the Central Florida community.
PRINCIPLES:
- Center for Grieving Children believes every child deserves the opportunity to grieve in a supportive and understanding environment. Some things to keep in mind when dealing with grief:
- Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one for children, AND adults.
- Within each individual is the natural capacity to heal oneself.
- The duration and intensity of grief are unique for each individual.
- Caring and acceptance assist in the healing process.
THE PROGRAM:
Center for Grieving Children encourages the expression of the grief experience verbally, and through creative, positive play within a peer group setting. The groups are open to grieving children ages 3 to 18.
GROUPS:
Littles Groups - Children ages 3 to 5 who have had a parent, sibling or other significant person die. This is where they come to share their feelings through play.
Middles Groups - Children ages 6 to 12 give and receive support as they share feelings about the death of someone important in their lives.
Teen Groups - Teens share their support and experience with the loss of a parent, sibling, best friend or another significant person in their life. This group is for ages 13 to 18.
Parent Groups - While each children's group is meeting, their surviving parent(s) or caregivers meet in a separate group. This is an opportunity to share the concerns and fears families and friends are facing, and to support one another.
STAFF:
Center for Grieving Children is comprised of a small, core staff of professionals with advanced degrees in counseling and social work, as well as experience in bereavement counseling.
VOLUNTEERS:
Volunteers are the heart of this program. They are extensively trained to facilitate groups, make families feel at home, and generally support the work of the program. Volunteers come from all walks of life and contribute a few hours a month to New Hope. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call 407-599-0909 or Contact Us via e-mail at NewHope@mpinet.net.
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