1. The New Normal: A Family-Centered Approach to Grief Support Presented by: Cindy Maldonado-Schaefer Kristy Burns

2. Erin’s House for Grieving Children Overview Located in Fort Wayne, IN Opened in 1993 Volunteer-based Peer support model 6 full-time staff; 2 part-time staff Services are free

3. Evolution of Change Before Adult groups separated (spouse, child, other) Emphasis on advantages of confidentiality Free rein of group agendas for facilitators Broad conversations After Adult groups combined Encourage children to share with their parents & caregivers Monthly themes for consistency Intentional conversations

4. What does that look like? Features Family intake Themed program nights Suggested activities & crafts Educational adult groups Adult topic resources Family Fun Worksheet Family Camp

5. Family Intake Highlights Involve the whole family for the intake Upfront explanation of the family-centered approach Resources explaining children’s grief Resources on how to address specific concerns Emphasis on the importance of communication Explain the value of family meals/time Outline expectations for group participation Sign participation agreement

6. Themed Programs Highlights Theme rotates every month Creates group focus Flexible enough to allow group to flow where the kids take it Addresses issues kids might be afraid to bring up Fosters high quality group dynamics Provides points of discussion for families outside of Erin’s House Targeted learning for adults on children’s grief issues Guides adults in creating family action plan

7. Suggested Activities & Crafts Highlights Use of suggested activities is optional for facilitators 12-15 activities per theme (split between 2 group meetings) Includes activities for all different outlets physical artistic introspection storytelling Healing Heart activities organized by theme Streamlines craft supply purchasing Relieves facilitators from additional planning

8. Educational Adult Groups Highlights Creates greater understanding of children’s grief Provides normalization of observed grief reactions Teaches techniques for communicating with their children Coaches adults on how to start discussions regarding theme Formatted to cover multiple adult learning styles

9. Adult Topic Resources Highlights Printed resources provided by Program Specialist Provides holistic perspective of themes explanation tips for helping their children develop coping skills suggested family activities Reference for future use

10. Family Fun Worksheet Highlights Designed to facilitate discussion outside of Erin’s House Provides variety of suggestions conversation starters dinner table discussion points family activities, crafts, & games Validates child’s desire to memorialize their loved one

11. Family Camp Highlights Concentrated time together as a family Fun outdoors Separate time for reflection & development Free weekend get away Validates child’s desire to memorialize their loved one

12. Successes & Snags Successes More control of discussion topics Facilitators rose to the challenge Snags Consistent, clear communication Pushback combining adult groups too structured Overabundance much change at one time

13. Contact Information Cindy Maldonado-Schaefer, Director of Operations Kristy Burns, Lead Program Specialist Erin’s House for Grieving Children 6718 E State Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46815 (260) 423-2466 www.erinshouse.org