Since opening in , the organization has helped more than 1, children and their families. Before COVID spread through the area, in-person grief support groups were held twice a month, which included playtime, a potluck meal and the opportunity for children to be paired with others of their own age to identify, express and process their grief.
The adults also have an opportunity to share their grief in a separate group. It has only increased. Shutting down and staying closed and waiting for this to go away is a disservice to the community. In addition to face coverings and social distancing, temperature checks of each person will be taken, as well as a form that each person has to sign stating they have not been ill, or associated with anyone who has had COVID Melvin said they have created face coverings, have super hero face masks, and clear face coverings, which they hope will make the children feel comfortable.
Children will also receive a face covering at their first meeting, which they can decorate in honor of their loved one. In addition, Melvin said they have gone through the house and marked up the rooms to have everyone six feet from each other. Surfaces will be cleaned each night and a deep cleaning will be done weekly by a professional company. The support group programs will continue to use art, music and journaling, as well as being there for one another, which is the most important thing.
She said they have some fun things planned for the kids to make them feel comfortable and at home, such as being escorted by therapy dogs. The virtual option will remain available for those families that want to continue meeting online. To accommodate the expanded schedule, Melvin said they have hired two full-time licensed mental health counselors. Now there are 10 employees, including three licensed clinicians.
We are doing it safely. Families can also reach out to Program Director Amy Strom at , or email amy valerieshouseswfl.
