Evergreen: Help for grieving children and adults

Contributed Article
    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Starting in January, Evergreen, the Pine Tree Hospice Center for Grieving Children and Adults, will be meeting on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-8 p.m. at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church.
    For families who have experienced the loss of a loved one in 2014 or long before, the Evergreen Program provides a safe place for children, teens, and adults to work through their grief experience. Small peer groups provide an opportunity for individuals to share their feelings, remember the person who died, and give and receive support from others.

    Smiles can often be seen and laughter can be heard. Using art, play, or an activity, children are encouraged to discover what works best for them in their healing process. A supportive environment with others who have experienced similar losses can be extremely beneficial. Groups are led by trained volunteer facilitators. Training and programs are modeled after the nationally acclaimed Center for Grieving Children based in Portland.
    Parents and guardians are welcome to join a support group which is held at the same time as the children’s groups. Families must attend an orientation prior to attending Evergreen programs.
    To receive an Evergreen information packet or more information, call Pine Tree Hospice’s office at 564-4346 or emailing wecare@pinetreehospice.org. Evergreen programs are always free.