News Center

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Support program helps kids cope with grief over loss of loved ones

INDIANAPOLIS – Death is a part of the life cycle, but it can be an especially difficult for children to grasp and make sense out of loss.

That’s why Franciscan VNS St. Francis Hospice offers Caterpillar Kids, a free support program that offers learning experiences for children ages 5 to 12 who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

“Children do grieve and they may express it differently than adults, but their feelings are as genuine and essential in healing,” said spiritual bereavement counselor Karla Riggs Norton. “Caterpillar Kids brings children together in a safe, nurturing environment where they receive information about grief and learn healthy ways to cope with the death of a loved one.”

The program will offer its Fall Caterpillar Kids series beginning Wednesday, Sept. 16, and on subsequent Wednesdays (Sept. 23, 30 and Oct. 7).
Meetings are at Christ United Methodist Church, 8540 U.S. 31 South, one mile north of Greenwood Park Mall.

Led by staff trained in bereavement support for children, youngsters will participate in storytelling, art projects, games and other sharing activities. Parents also are invited to participate in a concurrent session to assist them in supporting their children.


To register or for more information about Caterpillar Kids, call 317-528-2636.