Funds are earmarked for activities to honor loved ones, build new memories
TITUSVILLE, FLA. (May 27, 2021) – St. Francis Reflections Foundation has received a $3,000 grant from the Barbara Wells Family Foundation and the Community Foundation for Brevard to support the NorthStar Child Grief Program. The grant is earmarked to expand COVID-safe outdoor group activities designed to support children who are suffering from grief. The activities aim to honor their loved ones while also fostering new memories.
“The support we receive from our community helps us serve the increasing number of children and families referred to our NorthStar Program,” said Mary Larson, Director of Community Engagement at St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care. “Funding for this vital program allows us to provide much-needed family outings, where each member can understand and support one another as they navigate their new normal without their loved one. Gifts to our program send a powerful message to these children and families that their community cares about them, and this gives them hope for the journey ahead.”
The NorthStar Program provides grieving children and their families free access to professional counselors who help them work through their grief by teaching healthy coping skills in a safe and supportive environment. This allows them to begin the process of healing. Currently, nearly 100 children and youth are being cared for through the NorthStar Program. During the pandemic, the team at St. Francis has found creative ways to interact with the children and their families while staying safe, including a drive-through holiday party with Santa and Mrs. Claus, an outdoor movie night, a trip to the zoo, and a scavenger hunt in the park.
“We are not born knowing how to grieve, and often when a death affects a family, children are not given as much time and space as they need to process their emotions,” said Lynn Kiefer, Program Coordinator for NorthStar. “I’m grateful to the Barbara Wells Family Foundation for investing in our children through this grant. The NorthStar Program provides critical grief support to children in Brevard County for free, thanks to contributions like this generous gift.”
St. Francis Reflections Foundation exists to advance the mission of St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care. For more information or to donate to the NorthStar Child Grief Program, visit reflectionslsc.org/foundation or follow the Foundation on Facebook @StFrancisReflectionsFoundation.
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About St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care
St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care was founded in 1977 and licensed in 1990. We are Brevard’s longest-serving, not-for-profit, independent, interfaith provider of hospice care, palliative care, and grief support services. For more information about St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care, please visit ReflectionsLSC.org and follow us on Facebook.
