Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville

The Journeys Program at Hospice of the Piedmont

Through the Journeys program, Hospice of the Piedmont supports children and teens ages 4 through 18 who are affected by the serious illness or the death of a loved one. Throughout the year, grief support groups for children and teens are facilitated by registered art therapists and bereavement counselors who use art and other creative means to help children express their inner feelings. The creative arts are a natural way to express grief when words are not enough. Under the leadership of a bereavement counselor, parents and guardians meet at the same time for support in living with their own loss as well as dealing with the loss experienced by their children. Groups usually meet for 6 to 8 weeks. Where appropriate, limited individual work may be done with a registered art therapist or bereavement counselor.

Journeys Camps

Special features of the Journeys program are the bereavement camps organized several times each year, which may be day or overnight experiences. Camp activities may include art/expressive activity, sharing time, creating memories, recreational activities suited to the season, and a closing memorial ceremony. Parents are encouraged to participate in a support group and the memorial ceremony at each seasonal camp.

Grief Education & Support for the Community

As part of Hospice of the Piedmont's commitment to the community, Journeys services are available to schools, community groups, and the general public. These services include grief support groups facilitated by bereavement counselors and/or registered art therapists within the school or community group, limited individual work with a registered art therapist and/or bereavement counselor, consultation and/or education programs for agencies or groups who work with children and teens, and parental education and support.

Hospice of the Piedmont web site: www.hopva.org

To speak to a counselor, schedule an interview, or simply learn more about

the Journeys Program,

call (434) 817- 6900 or e-mail info@hopva.org