What is Group S.T.A.R?

Our group allows participants to learn about grief and loss, healthy coping, and positive outlets for emotion through activities that are fun and thought provoking. Group STAR is facilitated by professionals specializing in grief and loss issues and trained volunteers. There are many positive effects from the healthy facilitation of questions and feelings. These include the creation of hope, memories and friendships.
Creative Expressions Workshop Findlay Blanchard Valley Hospital 1900 S. Main St., Beckett and Davis Rooms Monday, February 17 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. There are many ways to grieve a loss. This workshop provides various creative opportunities for children to express themselves while experiencing the healing process. Sprouting Hope Findlay Blanchard Valley Hospital 1900 S. Main St., Aller and Davis Rooms Monday April 28 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bowling Green Rotary Nature Center 615 S. Wintergarden Road Tuesday, April 29 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This program encourages participants to understand the importance of moving forward after a death and shaping their futures with memories and lessons learned. Nature of Grief Van Buren State Park South Side Shelter House #3 12259 Township Road 218, Van Buren Tuesday, June 3 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. Children learn through various outdoor activities how the life cycle of nature, like our own, experiences birth, growth and death.
Directions to Southside Shelter: Take Township Road 218 to Township Road 229, turn south on Township Road 229. After crossing the first bridge, turn right into shelter house parking lot.

Treasured Memories Findlay Blanchard Valley Hospital 1900 S. Main St., Beckett and Davis Rooms Monday, July 7 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Bowling Green Heritage Corners, Georgian Room 1069 Klotz Road Thursday, July 10 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Through this program, children learn that the relationship with their loved one is kept alive through memories. Children will be able to express their thoughts, feelings and memories through various activities and making a treasured keepsake.

Why is Group S.T.A.R. Important?

Parents and other caregivers want to protect children from death and the grief that follows. In reality, the best protection is to allow children to experience their grief in a safe and trusting environment. Group STAR uses a diversity of activities designed for children ages 6-12 to meet their specific needs.

Grief Trails Ottawa Challenged Champions 11913 County Road 6 Tuesday, August 5 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Participants learn through horses about the importance of communicating emotions and needs to others. Children come together with their peers to participate in activities that will teach effective communication tools while working with gentle horses.

Is my Child eligible?
Group S.T.A.R. is free and open to children, between the ages 6-12, whose family lives, works or attends school in Hancock, Wood, Hardin, Henry, Putnam, Seneca, Allen, Sandusky and Wyandot counties. The family does not need to have been associated with Bridge Hospice in order to attend group. However, the workshops are designed for children that have suffered the death of a loved one. *Parents/guardians must register children within a week of scheduled group. Call 800-982-3306 to register or for more details.

Holiday Memories Findlay Blanchard Valley Hospital 1900 S. Main St., Beckett and Davis Rooms Monday, November 10 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bowling Green Heritage Corners, Georgian Room 1069 Klotz Road Thursday, November 20 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Holidays and special events can often intensify feelings of loss and grief. This workshop allows participants to come together with their peers to express feelings, create memories of loved one and reminisce.

Grief Responses by Children:

Helping Grieving Children:

Be present Provide space and time to listen Communicate often that the child is

Reverting back to toddler behaviors (bedwetting, baby talk, clinging, etc.) Playing dead or funeral Increase in shyness or being alone Grades may suffer School may become a safe haven Increase in anger or acting out Feelings of unfairness

loved, wanted and needed

Let them know the death was not their

Presents

fault
Be honest Talk about the deceased loved one Answer questions to the best of your

To successfully support a grieving child it is important to let the child know that there is someone they can trust with their feelings, fears and questions concerning the death of their loved one. It is helpful to keep in mind that children will often talk about their experience of grief for a short period of time; and then return to play. It is important to let them talk when they need to and not to force them. Let them know that you are listening when they are ready to talk. Also note that grief can change. There may be good days and not so good days. Some difficult days can be anticipated, such as anniversaries, traditional holidays, and locations that bring back memories.

GROUP
Special Times Always Remembered

knowledge
Keep routines Provide outletsdrawing, painting, and

S.T.A.R. 2014

playing with toys

Provide security Provide lots of LOVE!

A series of workshops designed to allow youth (ages 6-12) to express their feelings, receive support from peers and create lasting memories of their deceased loved ones.

BRIDGE HOSPICE
Bereavement Services
15100 Birchaven Lane Findlay, Ohio 45840 (419) 423-5351 Toll Free 1-800-982-3306 1037 Conneaut Avenue, Ste. 204 Bowling Green, Ohio 43402 (419) 352-9808 Toll Free 1-888-352-1166 182 St. Francis Avenue Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 443-1363 Toll Free 1-800-982-3306

Consultations:
Children and teens grieve differently than adults. They may not have the words to express their feelings or they act out their grief. For this reason their grief is often misinterpreted or overlooked. Bridge Bereavement Services offers support and educational materials to parents struggling with how to explain death and dying to a young child or teen.