Healing Hearts Grief Support

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1 F A L L I S S U E Healing Hearts Grief Support Supported by Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation Weather Cancellation Policy Mary s Reflections A New Start I remember writing my first Journey newsletter and what it meant to me to be a part of a grief support program that supported hundreds of individuals during the hardest time in their lives. My years at Missouri Baptist Grief Support prepared me for a new journey. That journey began February 17, 2014 when we moved our location to Kirkwood Baptist Church. The church extended a helping hand by offering us space and rooms to meet in for our children, families, and adult groups. Shortly thereafter, our new program Healing Hearts Grief Support took on a life of it s own and has continued to provide a safe place for individuals to process their feelings of grief and loss as they mourn the death of loved ones. In the event of questionable weather/road conditions Mary will send out text messages/or make phone calls two hours before a meeting is scheduled to begin. We lean on the side of caution during the winter months (snow & ice) so as not to put any of our participants at risk. So we ask that you call first before coming in for a group.

2 HEALING HEARTS GRIEF SUPPORT FALL 2014 The Healing Hearts Grief Support Program is comprised of dedicated volunteers who are present every Monday Night to work with children in grief. Currently, there are 8 volunteers on our team- Sharon Greene, Ann Molyneaux, Sally Riggs, Sherry Corless, Travis Stevener, Mary Helene Kranze, Courtney Engel, and Tiffany McGaughey (Maryville student fulfilling a Fall practicum). We work together to give children and families our best by being present to their pain as they tell their stories and remember the past. I believe the success of our program over the years is a result of a strong team of volunteers who have a passion for helping others with their hearts and souls. By companioning, I mean listening and being attentive to the needs of other people. We know we cannot fix their pain or change what happened but we can be present with empathy, love, and support. As a team, we feel blessed to be a part of this important work. In a grief avoidant culture we know how important it is to provide space for individuals and children to talk about what happened, tell their story, and process their feelings. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the success of our Healing Hearts Grief Support Program. It is with the support of others that we can all make it in life. I feel blessed to continue the work that was started so many years ago. It is an honor and a privilege. 2

3 HEALING HEARTS GRIEF SUPPORT FALL 2014 Kids Corner Currently we have 12 families who participate in our Family Program on Monday Nights. Children attend with a parent, grandparent, or friend. Children are in age appropriate groups where they talk, share, play, and process their feelings of grief. All are bereaved children and they feel safe knowing that their grief friends understand the sad feelings and anxiety about the future. They connect up quickly and are always happy to be together. Some of our new activities include Lego sets, magnetic sand, games, memory books, mindfulness activities, and relaxation. The children enjoy playing in the nice gymnasium at the church. It gives them space to run, play, and move. Outside when the weather permits, there are playgrounds with slides, steps to climb, bars to hang on and lots of space to ride small bikes and big wheels. Kirkwood Baptist church is placed in a lovely neighborhood and is a safe place for children to walk and play. Adult Group We have a variety of grief groups that meet at Kirkwood Baptist Church. Three spouse groups, two family groups, one group for parents who have lost a child, and a mixed group of individuals who have had a parent, sibling, or friend die. It is our hope to expand in numbers and also add new support groups as the need arises. Let us know what your needs are in this area. Divorce support groups, young adult groups, and cancer support groups are also areas of great need and support. Student Interns During the months of June and July, Nina Hersher, Jen Gapin, and Samantha Bammert, came to the Healing Hearts Program from Washingtion University. Mentoring students is important work and it is a vital part of our program. The students learned about the grief journey and the models of grief we implement in our program. The models include Alan Wolfelt s Companioning Model and The Dougy Center Model for children. The students were enthusiastic and involved and had an opportunity to learn and grow with the program. Currently, Tiffany McGaughey is a volunteer and student from Maryville University fulfilling a practicum for the Fall semester. Students add so much to the Healing Hearts program with their time, energy, and willingness to learn and understand grief.

4 HEALING HEARTS GRIEF SUPPORT FALL 2014 Family Fun Night On June 9, 2014 we had a Family Fun Night to celebrate our new program and provide time for families to get together to visit and have fun. Our volunteer s barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs, and families brought favorite deserts and food dishes their family liked. Children and adults played games and socialized with one another. Balloons decorated the tables and loved ones wrote special notes to their loved ones who died. Party bags were given out to the children with special treats to take home with them. It was a fun evening of sharing, fellowship, and fun. Alan Wolfelt Seminar (October 21 & 22) Healing Hearts members were encouraged to attend a seminar in St. Charles entitled Understanding Your Grief by Alan Wolfelt, a grief educator, writer, companion and speaker. He was enlightening and encouraging while sharing the journey of grief with those who are experiencing the pain and loss of a loved one. On October 22 Alan gave a half-day seminar for professionals and staff. The topic was Depression and Grief Versus Clinical Depression. Sherry Corless, Tiffany McGaughey and Mary Schrader attended this session. Continuing education is part of the growth of our program and enhances what we do in the area of grief, loss, and healing. Generous Donations Provided In Loving Memory Of: Connie Vancil Ralph Meister Tyler Brody Katherine Olmsted Baby Lily Marion Schrader Your Help Makes A Difference Please accept my gift of $ to be used for the Healing Hearts Grief Support Program. Name: Address: Phone: Address: (if applicable) My gift in Loving Memory/Honor of Please make check payable to Healing Hearts Grief. Mail to: Kirkwood Baptist Church 211 N Woodlawn Kirkwood, MO 63122

5 HEALING HEARTS GRIEF SUPPORT FALL 2014 New Website The Healing Hearts website is healingheartsgrief.com. If you know of someone who may be interested in joining a grief support group there is information on our website about how to get started and where we meet for group sessions. Mary Schrader, M.A. Executive Director Healing Hearts Grief Support 211 N. Woodlawn Kirkwood, MO 63122