The journey through grief and loss may be difficult, frightening, and lonely for children and teens. They need a safe place to express their feelings related to the loss of a sibling, parent, or anyone close to them. Hospice of the Piedmont’s Kids’ Grief and Healing program helps children discover they’re not alone and that their feelings are normal. Through Journeys camps, teen groups, and creative expression programs, we help young people (ages 4-17) build relationships with others and understand grief.
Help for Grieving Kids
Hundreds of children and teens benefit from these programs every year, and some return year after year. Bereavement counselors and art therapists provide specialized grief support for children, teens, and families through individual counseling and special events several times a year. Programs are provided in-person and virtually, at schools, in HOP offices, and at our Journeys Camps.
In 2022, close to 150 children and teens were seen individually or in groups, with more than 800 total contacts made. Programming highlights included two day-long Journeys Camps and several therapeutic sessions at four area schools. Thanks to generous community philanthropy, these programs are FREE of charge, regardless of whether the lost loved one was in HOP care or not.
Supported by Generous Philanthropy
The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation is a generous donor to the program, providing for an art therapist position and a variety of our art therapy programs.
“The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation is pleased to support the art therapy program for grieving children,” said Melissa Young, trustee of the Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation. “Joseph Cornell, a world-renowned artist, and his younger brother, Robert, lost their father to a debilitating illness when they were young. My fellow trustee Joe Erdman and I believe it is particularly appropriate for the charitable trust established by Joseph to support such an important outlet for healing as art therapy at Hospice of the Piedmont.”
Hospice of the Piedmont is also grateful for the support of The Charles Fund, which has provided funding for Journeys Camps.
