Children and teens who have suffered the loss of a loved one can find hope through a new collaboration between Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center and an Atlanta-based nonprofit called Kate’s Club.
Since 2003, Kate’s Club has served more than 1,000 families through social, recreational and therapeutic activities for children and teens ages five – 18. Services include therapeutic group activities designed and led by licensed professionals; club outings to sporting events, exhibits and community service activities; and Camp Good Mourning, a three-day, overnight summer camp; and KC Connects.
Hospice of NGMC, which has served 13 counties across Northeast Georgia for 30 years, offers several of its own support groups to help children as they grieve the loss of a loved one.
“We sought this partnership with Kate’s Club to enhance the programs we already offer to young people who are hurting in our community,” says Cathy Wozniak, executive director of Hospice of NGMC. “Grieving children may exhibit atypical behavior, have trouble focusing and experience a decline in academic performance – so it’s important to provide support as they navigate that grief and help them understand it’s natural and okay to grieve.”
Kate’s Club and Hospice of NGMC will offer a free support group meeting for children and teens ages 5-18 starting May 14. The group will meet one Saturday morning each month in the Blue Ridge Room at Lanier Park, located at 625 White Sulphur Road in Gainesville.
If you know a young person who might benefit from joining the group, please apply for them online at www.katesclub.org/join/membership, or contact Lane or Liz at 404-347-7619 for additional information.
