April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re proud to celebrate the incredible individuals who make our mission possible. Throughout the month, we’ll be spotlighting some of the amazing volunteers who help The WARM Place support grieving children and families. We’re kicking things off with WARM Place Facilitator Caren Cooper, whose impact has made a meaningful difference in the lives of grieving children. Keep reading to get to know Caren and her heart for The WARM Place.
Tell us about yourself! 
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, James, for 40 years. We have 4 adult children, one of whom, Paul, died in 2019. We have 8 grandchildren and one on the way. I love going to our cabin in Oklahoma with my husband. I love gardening, reading, cooking, and crocheting. I run an IT Support Company with James. I recently returned to college after 37 years to complete my bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s in counseling.
When did you first learn about The WARM Place and what brought you here?
I first learned about The WARM Place when my grandson Benjamin died at 3 months old. I was looking for a place to help my grandchildren, who were 10, 8, and 4 at the time. I once brought them to The WARM Place for my daughter, I joined the adult group, and I fell in love with the place. I had not been interested in volunteering because of all my losses, but that day I wanted to be part of TWP. I have now been volunteering for 2 years.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering with The WARM Place?
I always love making a connection with a child in my group as well as the amazing adults I get to work with, but my favorite part is when our group becomes so safe, cohesive and comfortable for each child or teen that they share some of the hardest things to share and the group responds with empathy and kindness and sometimes they share tears.
What’s been one of your most memorable moments volunteering at The WARM Place?
My most memorable moment would be when I was in my first group of preteens and after many months of learning how to function as a group and what our purpose was one of the girls said “I don’t trust my story to very many people, just my parents and this group.” and she proceeded to share with the group something that she had only told me. I was so proud of our group and her.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering at The WARM Place?
I share The WARM Place with anyone I think will come in contact with children and teens who’ve lost a loved one. I tell them it’s a great place for them to learn that they are not alone, and coping skills that will be with them for the rest of their life.
