Twenty-five years ago, Jewish Family Service and Edmarc, a children’s hospice program, partnered to develop Peace by Piece, an emotional safe haven for kids and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Adult support groups for the caregivers are also available. All groups are free and open to the entire community.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, families, volunteers, staff, and past and present board members from both agencies gathered at the Women’s Club of Portsmouth to celebrate 25 years of this unique collaboration. Emceed by Joe Flanniggan, former feature reporter for WTKR and WVEC, the event featured an evening of fellowship and stories of hope and inspiration by young people who were past participants of the program, as well as from volunteers.
“Peace by Piece was a place where I could come and talk about my dad with other kids who understood where I was coming from,” said one former participant. “I couldn’t talk to my friends at school, because they didn’t understand, and would avoid me because they didn’t know how to act towards me or what to say after my dad died. But at Peace by Piece, I could be myself.”
JFS presented Edmarc with its biennial Community Service Award for outstanding partnership and collaboration.
“This has been an incredible partnership for all of these years,” said Debbie Mayer, director of clinical services for JFS. “The program has changed the lives of grieving families.”
Debbie Stitzer-Brame, executive director for Edmarc, and Megan Gillespie, Edmarc’s director of community support, presented a special recognition award to Mayer for her 25 years of dedication to the Peace by Piece program. “Debbie was one of the initial founders of the program and has touched the lives of children and families through this program for two and a half decades,” said Stitzer-Brame.
Losing a loved one is never easy and can be especially difficult for children. For additional information about the Peace by Piece program, or to explore counseling options, call the Embrace Counseling offices at 757-459-4640.
Kelly Burroughs, Jewish Family Service CEO, may be reached at kburroughs@jfshamptonroads.org.
