Great River Hospice is hosting a free program to help youth ages 8 to 15
who have experienced a loss that has greatly affected their lives. The
Climb: A Workshop to Help Youth Overcome Lossis scheduled from 1 to 5
p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Great River Hospice House, 1306 S. Washington
Road, West Burlington.
Participants will celebrate the lives of their loved ones, connect with
peers with similar experiences, conquer physical obstacles – the
rock-climbing tower at Great River Wellness Gym and an obstacle course
– while learning how to conquer emotional barriers and create keepsakes
in remembrance of their loved ones.
“The main goal of this program is to let youth know they are not
alone and that there are other children going through the same thing,”
said Megan Woodard, social worker and program coordinator, Great River
Hospice. “The Climb was developed after we surveyed grief services
in the area and discovered there were few resources for youth. Schools
do a good job of supporting youth who have lost loved ones, but sometimes
other resources are needed to support kids and parents.”
The program will be led by Great River Hospice social workers and nurses,
and a chaplain. An optional parent session from 1 to 2 p.m. will include
a discussion on children’s reactions to grief and loss, and ways
to support them. It will be led by a Great River Hospice social worker
and Kim Rector, a teacher who guided her young children through the loss
of their father.
Registration is required for both programs. For more information or to
register, please call Great River Hospice at (319) 768-3350.