The Caring Circle is a supportive program for grieving children and their families. It was developed to respond to a need for age-specific, open-ended support groups for bereaved children in our community. The Caring Circle provides a supportive and welcoming community to help children deal with their feelings.
A child's reaction to death can include confusion, stress, and an increased sense of vulnerability. The added loss of a significant and meaningful relationship can impact a child's sense of identity, feelings of trust and safety, and his or her values and belief systems.
Support Groups: The Caring Circle offers age-specific support groups for children. Support groups meet at two locations:
Yorktown - First Presbyterian Church, every other Wednesday from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Yonkers - Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, every other Thursday from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
New Rochelle - Sound Shore Medical Center - Solomon Katz Breast Center, every other Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Community Outreach: Understanding of death and loss begins with education. The Caring Circle offers special consultation to schools and the community at large, mentoring in local schools, and information and referrals to families and professionals.
Children experiencing grief can benefit from an opportunity to express their feelings. The peer support groups of The Caring Circle use a variety of activities including art, music, games and creative writing to give children:
Opportunities to share their struggles and triumphs.
A time and place to express their feelings.
Reassurance that they are not alone in their feelings.
