Creating awareness of and support for children and families who are grieving a death.

Description:
The Peer Support Group program meets twice a month for children ages 3 and up with simultaneous groups for their parents/caregivers. A safe, caring environment is provided so that grieving children may share their experience with other children who have also had a loved one die. Concurrent groups for parents, grandparents and other family members and caregivers assist the adults in learning about ways to help the children and themselves with the grieving process. Free, on-site childcare services are provided for families with infants and very young children. All groups are guided by extensively trained volunteers.

Peer support groups are a time-tested approach utilized by many disciplines (mental health, alcohol and other drug, self-help, education and religious) to economically and effectively provide support, impart knowledge, explore options and choices, stimulate thinking and self-examination, and help to bring resolution to life's challenges.

Contact people:

Ginger Heigl, Program Director, (phone), (email) Darcy Gustavsson, Marketing Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (262) 656-9810

Address:

2522 63rd Street Kenosha, WI 53143 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.margaretannsplace.org

Overall Experience   
My experince with MargaretAnn's Place had been a life changing one.

I have volunteered at MargaretAnn's Place for almost a year now, and I love being there. There is a warmth where we are. Whether we are having group and its because of the kids running around laughing or parents talking about their lives at home and everyone just helping or being a part of everyone else. Even if no one is there you can still feel the love of everyone. And how everyone had been touched by something that was said or done that night or it was just the love that they had for their lost loved one. You walk into MargaretAnn's Place and you are immidiatly a friend. Every group night I feel as though I have become a part of another person's life, even if I was just there to listen and hear their story. posted by Amanda9187 on July 17, 2005

Overall Experience   
Excellent volunteer oppertunity

I have been a volunteer at MargaretAnn's place for a short time, but in that time, I have learned so much. MargaretAnn's place is a wonderful place for those who are grieving. As a volunteer and as one who has dealt personally with the death of a loved one, I am excited that there is a place for grieving children to go. This is a secure, safe place for those who are dealing with the death of a loved one. Volunteers will not only provide a much needed service, but will also have their own lives deeply touched. I cherish my time volunteering for MargaretAnn's place and am grateful for the assistance it provides. I know it will continue to grow and flourish! posted by Maggie8 on May 25, 2005

Overall Experience   
It is an honor to work with these families who suffer the loss of a loved one.

I have been a volunteer at MargaretAnn's Place for three years and it has been an extraordinary experience. I have seen families come to group, torn by the grief of losing a loved one. At group, they are able to share their experiences and know that they are not alone. That others are suffering as they are and that we do understand their situation and will be here for as long as they need us. We as Americans, do not do a good job of grieving. We are there for each other in the beginning, but expect the person who has experienced a loss to "get over it" and to return back to normal. But there is no going back. The person who has died is gone and won't be coming back. So going back to normal is impossible. We call it the "new normal" as families learn to live with their loss and to forge a new path in their life. This can be especially devastating to children, who are often faced with a parent who is hearbroken and depressed. A child wants to feel loved and secure. That security is shattered when a parent or sibling dies and those in the family that remain are unable to cope with the loss. MargaretAnns Place provides a place for children to talk about their loss and to celebrate the memories and the love that they have for those who have died. Through artwork and play, the children learn to express their feelings and tell their story. They learn to grieve their losses and celebrate their memories. I have met some remarkable people who have walked through the doors of MargaretAnns Place. I have learned how strong the human spirit is and how important it is for us to be compassionate to our neighbors who may be enduring things we cannot imagine. I have met some wonderful people in the staff and volunteers. They have taught me so much about giving and caring. It's been a wonderful experience. posted by fullerk on May 16, 2005