Care Dimensions to Offer School-Based Grief Support, Training

Care Dimensions, formerly Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston, is now offering a school-based grief outreach program for schools in Essex County. Care Dimensions provides hospice and palliative care and support services in 90 communities in Massachusetts.

In this pilot program, Care Dimensions' grief support specialist(s) will connect and partner with local schools (k-12) to deliver specialized youth bereavement services, including individual and group support for students. They will also offer training for teachers and other school personnel on issues related to childhood grief.

The school program is an extension of the organization's support programs for youth, families and individuals. The organization's support services and resources are open to all and there is no fee.

Funded and supported by the Bertolon Family of Beverly, Massachusetts, the new school-based program aims to meet a demonstrated need.

In Massachusetts, a reported six percent—or 150,000--of Massachusetts youth are estimated to be bereaved by age 18. Among those, most have experienced the death of a parent.

3 Ways to Learn More About the Grief Outreach Program for Your School or Child

1. Contact the Care Dimensions Grief Support Team, 855-774-5100 or email Grief@CareDimensions.org.
2. On July 19, 2-19, the Danvers Access Community TV will air a 30-minute segment about the program. The TV program will also offer tips for parents and families on how to support children who have lost a loved one. The segment will run for four weeks (July - August).
3. Watch the TV program on Care Dimensions' YouTube Channel