Our Program

Our Four Principles:
• Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one
• Within each of us is the capacity to heal
• The length of time for grieving is unique for each individual
• Acceptance, caring and support are essential in the healing process

Our Approach
The Sharing Place is a place where mutual support is offered. Acceptance is practiced through listening and sharing. We respect each other as unique. We believe that within each of us exists our own answers to life's complex problems. As we support each other in listening to our own inner voices, we shall come to know our own inner truths.
We understand that giving and receiving are the same. By extending love, we can feel love within. We recognize that both facilitators and the participants are here for their own growth. The goal for each of us is personal healing and inner peace. The roles of student and teacher are interchangeable: each of us can experience both in this process.

Child Support Group
Each children's group includes 8-12 similar aged children (3 1/2 to 12), a seasoned group coordinator, and 6-8 trained volunteers who meet twice a month for 1 1/2 hours. An adult family member or guardian must accompany each child and stay in the center throughout the meeting. Adults accompanying children are invited to participate in an informal Adult Discussion Group which meets simultaneously.

Opening Circle begins with each children's group meeting with age-appropriate activities such as singing, story-telling, and drawing. These activities help the children focus on, and begin to explore, their feelings. Next, participants move freely among several rooms, each designed to provide a different avenue for expressing and understanding the complex emotions of grief.

The Volcano Room : With its padded floors, walls, and many pillows, it is a safe place to let go of the loud, intense, often physical and wordless feelings of grief
The Art Room : Offers a wide variety of supplies for the creative expressions of the children's emerging feelings
The Soft Room : Provides toys, dress-ups and other props for children to use in role playing activities
The Activity Room : Full of games, puppets and toys, permits children to explore or retreat from their grieving process according to their immediate needs
The Sanctuary Room : Is a space for quiet communion and remembering where children can hang drawings, photographs, and memorabilia

Each children's meeting ends with a Closing Circle. Children, parents and volunteers gather to honor anniversaries and to sing The Sharing Place's special closing song, saying farewell until the next time.

Teen Support Group
Designed to encourage teenagers' natural inclination to rely on each other for support, each teen group includes 10-15 teens and is monitored by a group facilitator and 4 to 5 volunteers. The teen group provides a safe and accepting environment for teens to discuss, explore and share their experiences and feelings. Art, music and other activities sometimes are used to ease the process. The teens close their group by sharing personal thoughts or readings to carry with them until they meet again.

Adult Discussion Group
Parents and guardians are invited to participate in the adult discussion groups which are designed to provide emotional and social support to bereaved caretakers. In the adult group, participants can discuss specific issues or request general information on understanding the needs and behaviors of grieving children and teens. The adult groups are open to adults who have children participating in The Sharing Place's program.