March 1–27, Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus
A local teen learns that her parent has terminal cancer. The parent gets weaker and weaker, and then dies. Who can this teen talk to who will understand what it is like to lose a parent?
Many children and teens will suffer the loss of a significant loved one before age 18 and Jewish Family Service of Tidewater helps them and their families get through these difficult times.
The JFS counseling staff, through the Dozoretz Center for Healing and the Jessica Glasser Children’s Therapeutic Pavilion, specializes in helping individuals of all ages cope with loss and grieving. One component of this program is a free support group for children, teens, and their families, Peace by Piece. This program is operated by Edmarc in collaboration with JFS.
JFS and Edmarc co-sponsor an annual art show—now in its 16th year—that displays the creative drawings and words of local grieving children and teens. This is an opportunity for young people to share their feelings with others and to see that they are not alone. The art show is open to any school-aged youth in Tidewater who has experienced the death of a loved one. Over the past 15 years, more than 450 pieces have been displayed.
After this annual Grieving Children’s Art Show at the Sandler Family Campus, artwork will be displayed for Peace by Piece families on May 28. Following that, the artwork will return to either JFS or Edmarc for display throughout the year.
For more information on the exhibit, program, or services offered by JFS, contact Debbie Mayer, LCSW, at JFS at 757-459-4640 or DMayer@jfshamptonroads.org.