Supporting children and families as they grieve.
Children deal with grief in a unique way — their path toward healing is different from that of adults. Who can they talk to? Their friends often shy away because they don't know what to say. The surviving parent is dealing with his or her own grief. Chapters Health offers a variety of children’s grief services through our two non-profit hospice organizations, LifePath Hospice (in Hillsborough County) and Good Shepherd Hospice (in Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties).
LifePath Hospice Circle of Love Center
The LifePath Hospice Circle of Love Center, modeled after The Dougy Center (National Center for Grieving Children), provides caring support in a safe environment where children, teens and their families can share their experiences as they move through the grieving and healing process.
The program provides year-round support for those touched by loss, through:
- Individual counseling and support groups - allows children ages 3 to 18 and their parents or caregivers to share their feelings of loss
- Free-play rooms – allow children to express themselves through art, games, dramatic play and the grief cave
- Camp Circle of Love – a three-day retreat for children ages 6 to 16, who have experienced the death of a loved one; features fun camp activities and allows children to discover how much life still has to offer
- The Link - a “train-the-trainer” program designed to facilitate peer-based support groups for young grievers in the school setting.
Good Shepherd Hospice Bethany Center for Grieving Children
The Good Shepherd Hospice Bethany Center for Grieving Children provides a special place for children ages 3 to 18 to work through their grieving and healing process.
The center encourages healing through creative interactions with children of similar ages, including:
- Individual counseling and support groups - allows children and their parents or caregivers to share their feelings of loss
- Free-play rooms – allow children to express themselves through art, games, dramatic play and the grief cave
- Camp Brave Heart – a three-day retreat for children ages 6 to 16, who have experienced the death of a loved one; features fun camp activities and allows children to discover how much life still has to offer
We also encourage adults caring for grieving children to participate in our parent/caregiver group, which allows them to help their children while understanding their own grief experiences.
Volunteers — at the heart of our centers.
Whether the death occurred through illnesses, accident, suicide or homicide, our staff works closely with each family to create a supportive environment.
Our volunteers also offer their time and compassion to our healing families. After undergoing an extensive background check and completing a thorough training program, they work under the leadership of trained bereavement professionals, facilitating groups to help grieving children and teens’ journey through healing.
Office volunteers provide administrative support for day-to-day operations, enhancing our ability to support and comfort our families. Just a few hours of your time each month can have a positive impact at a very difficult time.
For other professionals in the community who assist grieving families, we offer consultative services to help provide the tools and skills needed to support and encourage families.
You Play an Important Role in the Chapters Health Centers for Grieving Children.
While our grief center services are offered to families free of charge, special programs may have a small fee. No one is denied participation due to financial hardship. These programs are made possible through the generous support of the community. Good Shepherd Hospice’s children and teen grief programs are funded in part by the United Way of Central Florida. Please join us in fulfilling this very special need.
Donate Now Volunteer
While the road to recovery can be filled with pain and fear, the center helps to move children and families toward hope, healing and renewal. For more information on the LifePath Hospice Circle of Love Center for Grieving Children program, please call 813-877-2200 or 1-800-209-2200 and for more information on the Good Shepherd Bethany Center for Grieving Children, please call 863-968-1707 or 1-800-464-3994. Or visit our online Library for helpful information and additional guidance from our Chapters Health experts.