Ongoing Grief Support Groups
For children and adolescents, sharing their experience with peers can provide healing for those grieving the death of a loved one. Brooke’s Place provides peer support groups for young people ages 3 - 29, who have experienced the death of a significant person.
About Our Support Groups
Young people are placed in groups based on age: 3 - 5, 6 - 9, 10 - 12, teens and young adults ages 18 - 29. Although children, teens and young adults are our primary focus, we realize we cannot help them in isolation. Therefore, adult groups are provided for parents/guardians and run concurrently to the youth peer groups. The peer support groups are offered to families, with trained staff and volunteer facilitators who understand the grieving process.
At Brooke’s Place, you start programs when you are ready, and you stop when you are ready. If our support groups sound right for you, click on the button below and complete the form, and we will call you to schedule a family interview with one of our Support Group Coordinators.
What to Expect
A typical evening at Brooke’s Place begins with a pizza dinner and library time. There is a voluntary monthly family contribution of $30.00. This contribution helps cover the overall costs of providing this service. Families who cannot make this contribution due to financial circumstances WILL NOT be turned away but supported through the “Pay It Forward” Family Sponsorship Program. Dinner ends with a cake and a song for those celebrating a birthday or significant life event.
After dinnertime, groups meet for an hour and ten minutes. Groups begin with an “opening circle” for introductions and an opportunity to tell the story of the person who died. During groups, young people may participate in writing, drawing or creating crafts as tools to express their grief work, but at Brooke’s Place, the children lead. If they want to sit out, they are allowed. If they need to release physical energy, they may visit “The Volcano Room” to punch a pillow, tear up a telephone book or squeeze popping bubbles. Another room to express their grief is called “The Expression Room.” In this room our young people may draw whatever they want. Everyone comes together at the end for a closing circle and song.
Not Sure What’s Right For You?
Discover for yourself the transformational power of hope, compassion, and companionship. If you would like a tour of our support group program please contact us at 317.705.9650