Children's Grief Awareness Day with Blue Butterfly

117 S. Pineapple Ave.,Sarasota FL 34236

17 November, 2022

Description

In response to the more than 8,000 children in the Sarasota area who have lost a parent or sibling, Tidewell Hospice launched the free Blue Butterfly program - an evidence-based community outreach program for children aged 5-18 and their caregivers who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. Children's Grief Awareness Day is designed to help us become more aware of the needs of grieving children and the benefits they obtain through the support of others. Join us as we hear from some leaders of the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center, as well as a very special teenaged guest who will share their own grief story. About Blue Butterfly:A child's grief isn't a problem to be solved; it's a healthy response to loss. But children need special care after the loss of a loved one. That's why Tidewell's Blue Butterfly program provides evidence-based grief counseling, absolutely free. The program is staffed by licensed mental health professionals and supported by specially-trained volunteers using clinical practices and programs shown to be effective. These grief groups not only support children, but also their caregivers in order for them to learn to deal with their grief so they in turn can help their children. They help families navigate their grief in healthy ways, with a special focus on children. Their evidence-based therapy works to help kids avoid adverse behavioral responses, while giving them the chance to connect with others like them, who have also experienced loss. With guidance, children and families learn to process their loss and avoid common problems that can result from unresolved trauma, like depression and self-harm. After recently expanding their services to meet tremendous demand, Blue Butterfly now has four active locations in Lakewood Ranch, Port Charlotte, Newtown, and Ellenton. The incredible generosity of donors allows them to continue to expand their services to create more opportunities for children and families to find light and healing during some of their darkest days. Blue Butterfly offers bilingual support and is available in both English and Spanish. To learn more about the Blue Butterfly Program call (941) 893-6610 or complete the Grief Support form. Para hablar con un consejero en español, por favor llame al (941) 894-1704. Blue Butterfly support is offered for free, thanks to the donor support of the Tidewell Foundation, including grants from the Brave of Heart Fund, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Sarasota County Government, the McCune Family Foundation, and others. About Children's Grief Awareness Day: Created in 2008 by the Highmark Caring Place, A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families, and since recognized by organizations around the world, Children's Grief Awareness Day is observed every year on the third Thursday in November (the Thursday before the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving). This time of year is a particularly appropriate time to support grieving children because the holiday season is often an especially difficult time after a death. Children's Grief Awareness Day seeks to bring attention to the fact that often support can make all the difference in the life of a grieving child. It provides an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness of the painful impact that the death of a loved one has in the life of a child, an opportunity to make sure that these children receive the support they need. ...........................................................................This free in-person event is in the Loft at our store at The Mark, 117 S. Pineapple.Registration will end 1 hour before the event's scheduled time.................................................................................All signed up and unable to go? Please let us know! Seating is limited and there may be people on our waitlist who would like to to take your place. Please send an email to [email protected] ASAP and hopefully we'll see you next time.Click here to go to the Bookstore1Sarasota website.