Potluck
One special part of our program is our family potluck dinner, hosted every Group Night. It’s a time for families who are grieving to connect with each other over good food and conversation, and to form relationships that strengthen for years to come. Volunteers also participate in potluck and are able to connect with children in their groups during this time.
Group Activities
After dinner, everyone breaks into groups divided by grade level, where volunteer facilitators lead discussions and age-appropriate activities for children to express their emotions constructively.
Activities like creative play and art projects can help children express feelings they might not have words for or have been unwilling to talk about. Activities might include:
- Arts and crafts
- Games
- Journaling
- Sharing memories
- Visiting the emotion commotion room
Caregivers Group
At this time, parents and caregivers meet to connect with other adults who know what they’re going through and learn how to navigate parenting and better support a child who’s grieving.
Remember Song
We end the evening by singing our “Remember Song,” a long-held tradition for our families.
———
Remembering you, remembering me,
Remembering times we have known.
Remembering joy, remembering pain
Remembering we’re not alone.
With friends beside us & hope to guide us,
We’ll search and find our way.
When hearts are lonely & nights are long,
We’ll look for the dawn of a new day.