Gov. Tim Kaine Designates April Month of The Grieving Child

VCU’s Department of Pastoral Care takes part in “Grief’s Journey: The Month of the Grieving Child.”

Share this story

In observance of Month of the Grieving Child, Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine and Virginia Commonwealth University are encouraging Virginians to help children, teens and young adults find their way through grief's journey in the loss of a loved one.

VCU's Department of Pastoral Care along with the Bereavement Coalition of Central Virginia and other area organizations, will present a four-part bereavement session highlighting The Month of the Grieving Child.

According to organizers, the sessions support organizers' belief that with support, children and teens can heal after experiencing a life-altering loss, integrate the memories of their loved ones and lead healthy, resilient lives. The programs seek to allow children the opportunity to mourn in safe and creative ways, while supporting and educating the adults who care for them.

The sessions are designed for all interested individuals including parents, grandparents, mental health practitioners, teachers, school principals and clergy.

  • April 7- "A Conversation with Maria Trozzi"
    Maria Trozzi, M.Ed., assistant professor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, director of the Good Grief Program and author of "Talking with Children about Loss," will speak at 7 p.m. at Ginter Park Baptist Church, 1200 Wilmington Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
  • April 16 – "Living with Grief Teleconference: Children and Adolescents"
    The Children's Hospital of Richmond and John Tyler Community College will host a panel of nationally recognized experts to lead discussions focusing on the ways that hospice professionals, educators, counselors, funeral directors and clergy can best support children and adolescents as they cope with loss and grief. The teleconferences will take place at 1 p.m. Registration is required.
    Children's Hospital of Richmond, 2924 Brook Road.Cost is $18 and includes book. For more information, contact Cathie Stivers at 228-5854.
    John Tyler Community College, 13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Cost is $15. For more information, contact Karen Gill at 909-0123.
  • April 26 – "The Neon Man and Me." Award winning performer and playwright Slash Coleman presents expressive touching and comedic stories of one man's struggle to come to terms with the death and loss of his best friend, animated through 30 different characters. The show takes place at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Children's Hospital of Richmond, 2924 Brook Road. Tickets may be purchased for $8 from any member of The Bereavement Coalition of Central Virginia or by calling 804-828-4661.
  • April 27- "Healing in the Garden"
    The Bereavement Coalition and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, invites children, teens and adults to join together in remembrance of loved ones. The program looks to influence healing and inspire hope while connecting to nature. A healing activity will be offered in the children's garden area. The event will take place at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Ave. at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person or $20 maximum per family. Advance registration is required. For more information, call 804-828-4661. 

The Bereavement Coalition of Central Virginia is a group of bereavement service providers dedicated to the health of the community, through accessible grief support.