Evergreen, help for grieving children and adults

   DOVER-FOXCROFT — Evergreen, the Pine Tree Hospice Center for Grieving Children and Adults, will start a new season on Sept. 24 from 7-8 p.m. The Evergreen program will then meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month providing a safe place for children, teens, and adults to work through their grief experience after a death whether recently or in the past. 

   Small peer groups provide an opportunity for individuals to share their feelings, remember the person who died, and give and receive support from others. Using art, play, or an activity, children are encouraged to discover what works best for them in their healing process. Groups are led by trained volunteer facilitators. Training and programs are modeled after the nationally acclaimed Center for Grieving Children based in Portland.
   At Evergreen we recognize that the intensity and duration of grief is different for every individual. We also know that each person has the capacity within them to heal, and that support helps in this grief process. A supportive environment with others who have experienced similar losses can be extremely beneficial.
   Parents and guardians are welcome to join a support group which is held at the same time as the children’s groups. Families must attend an orientation prior to attending Evergreen programs. To receive an Evergreen information packet or more information, call Pine Tree Hospice’s office at 564-4346 or email wecare@pinetreehospice.org. Evergreen programs are always free.