Grief Support Group for Children and Young Adults

The spring session of Pathfinders is about to get underway, helping children and teens deal with their grief after losing a loved one.

As we get older, grieving becomes a part of life. We say good-bye to family members, friends, and coworkers in ever-increasing numbers. But for kids, it's uncharted territory. Even if they understand the reality of death, they don't know how to channel their emotions and get past them. Or, in the case of very small children, they may not understand the permanence of death, believing that their parent or friend will come back in time for a special occasion.

That's where Pathfinders of Maine can help. Facilitators use expressive art to help the kids get in touch with their feelings and learn to express them. 'Expressive art' encompasses everything from sports, to music, to drawing...whatever the child enjoys and can express themselves through.

Each session of Pathfinders' lasts for ten weeks, and the spring session starts on March 7th, ending on May 16th. Meetings are held each Monday from 6 to 7:30 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Essex Street in Bangor. Organizer Linda Boyle says, the church is a great meeting place, but the group has no religious affiliation, and will work to help the children within the parents' wishes.

The groups are usually open to kids age 4 through 18, but young adults slightly older may also be admitted. In addition, there are groups for the adults, to help them deal with their own grief, and learn how to help their children cope. Tuition is $50 per family, and there are a number of scholarships available to those who can't afford it.

For more information about Pathfinders of Maine, or to get signed up, call Linda Boyle at 973-8269, or log onto the organization's website.