Children’s Grief Group Set At State of the Heart Hospice

Sessions Begin October 7

Pictured is Brittany Scheer and Sarah Chilcote.

Children find safety in sharing their thoughts about grief when they are in a group of their peers, stated Marlene Black, bereavement specialist for State of the Heart Hospice. “At our grief support meetings for children, we hear consistently that the young people find comfort and safety when talking about their grief when they are in a group of other young people.”

State of the Heart Hospice, an agency that cares for families and patients confronting a life limiting illness, will host a Children’s Grief Group this fall called “Good Grief.” The series of meetings will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. beginning Monday, October 7 and ending November 4. The meetings are free and are open to anyone, regardless of association with hospice. They will be held at the hospice office, 1350 N. Broadway in Greenville. Children eligible should be ages six through 12.

Conducting the fall series of meetings will be State of the Heart Music Therapist Brittany Scheer and Music Therapy Intern Sarah Chilcote. Both have experience in bereavement support.

“State of the Heart offers considerable bereavement support services,” Black said. “In addition to the weekly meetings and one-on-one sessions, State of the Heart offers bereavement support to children in area schools.” The agency’s Camp BEARable annually brings over 60 youth together for a weekend camp designed to help children deal with grief and loss.

Black added, “We know there are youth who can benefit from attending the grief support sessions. Often children are dealing with the loss of brothers or sisters, grandparents, close friends and in some instances, their parents. For more information and to register to attend, contact State of the Heart at 800-417-7535.

State of the Heart Hospice this year observes 32 years of service to area communities. The agency cares for patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio. Visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.