Highmark Caring Place

Back to school! It can be a very exciting time…and a difficult time- especially for children who are grieving. In the transition back to school, their grief goes with them and they may experience some common reactions as they navigate this: Distractibility Forgetfulness Anxiety/Fear Supporting your child or student during this transition with compassion and patience can make all the difference. Resources and information about supporting a child who is grieving and The Caring Team for Grieving Students program can be found on our website at https://lnkd.in/gb4ef39v

Grief is a journey, and it's often filled with pain and uncertainty. But even in the darkest moments, there are GLIMMERS of hope and love that can guide us. These moments, however small, can offer solace and a sense of connection to the loved one who died. Maybe it’s a memory, an act of kindness, or simply finding the beauty in everyday life…Read more about GLIMMERS in grief here: https://lnkd.in/dpUqtSyf  What are some GLIMMERS you’ve found in your grief journey?? Share below!

Recently, the Warrendale Highmark Caring Place celebrated its team of over 160 volunteers at its annual Volunteer Recognition Event held at Steamfitters 449 Event Center in Harmony, PA.  The volunteers enjoyed food, games, mocktails, and crafts to thank them for all they do throughout the year to support children and families who are grieving. Volunteers with 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service were publicly recognized and received new lanyards and years of service pins to mark their achievement. Thank you to Pittsburgh Event Center, SIPS mobile bar co. , and Steel City Selfies Photo Booth who helped make the event memorable for our wonderful volunteers!   To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Highmark Caring Place, contact us at https://lnkd.in/dwiG9rxY.

Children’s Grief Awareness Day 2024 (November 21st) is 3 months away!! It’s never too early to start planning how you will support grieving children on that day.  Make this the year you/your organization – • EDUCATE the community about children who are grieving • EQUIP peers and adults to be companions for grieving children • HONOR these children and their loved ones who have died

We would like to make a toast to our community partner, Tapville Social Wexford, for hosting a Dine to Donate event for us to raise awareness and funds for the Highmark Caring Place.  It was wonderful to see so many of our volunteers and community partners!  We also met new people in the area nearest our Warrendale and Pittsburgh Caring Place locations. Thank you, Tapville Social Wexford and all that attended to support the Caring Place!

Our NO COST, FREE CEUs Grief Talks webinars return on Wednesday, September 4th from 2-3:30 pm (Live ET) with “Shattered Rainbows: Stories of Grief & Resilience in the LGBTQIA+ Community.” We are excited to highlight the expertise of J. Coley Alston, from Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation! This webinar will increase understanding of the unique experiences of grief within the LGBTQIA+ community and present practical coping strategies and resources that can help LGBTQIA+ individuals navigate their grief and find resilience. REGISTER NOW at https://lnkd.in/g-3wWYzE

The Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM) estimates that approximately 246 thousand, or 1 in 11, children in Pennsylvania will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. This is HIGHER than the national rate and the number more than DOUBLES when considering youth bereaved by age 25. To find resources and ways the Highmark Caring Place is supporting children and families who are grieving, go to https://lnkd.in/dyDMkDSj.

In looking at the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM) data for one year reveals that 1,089 children under the age of 18 were newly bereaved each day in 2022. Learn more about the Current prevalence of childhood bereavement across the U.S. by accessing CBEM data tables at https://lnkd.in/eV-SnVhD.

Recently, one of our Highmark Caring Place (Warrendale) volunteers took a trip to the "End of the World"- Ushuaia, Argentina- decked out in a Highmark Caring Place volunteer sweatshirt! We are so grateful for all our amazing volunteers and the support they provide on the journeys of all the grieving children and families who participate in our program. WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER??  If you are 21 or older and are ready to make a difference in the life of a child, contact us at https://lnkd.in/dwiG9rxY.

According to the @New York Life Insurance Company Foundation’s 2024 State of Grief Report, 97% of teachers agree that grief can have an adverse impact on a child’s learning. With back to school right around the corner, it’s important to remember that transitions can be difficult for any child…and even more so for a child who is grieving. For information on how to support a child who is grieving in the classroom, check out our brochure “The Grieving Child in the Classroom” on our website at bit.ly/hcpbrochures.