INDIANAPOLIS
– Death is a part of the life cycle, and it’s especially difficult for children
to grasp and make sense out of it, particularly when they lose a loved one.
That’s why
Franciscan St. Francis Hospice offers Caterpillar Kids, a support program that offers
learning experiences for children ages 5 to 12.
“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.”
St. Francis
Hospice will offer its autumn Caterpillar Kids program Wednesdays, April 10,
17, 24, and May 1, 8 and 15. The free workshops meet from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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 participate in storytelling, art projects,
games and other sharing opportunities. Parents also are invited to participate
in a concurrent session to assist them in supporting their children.
Registration
is required. To register or for more information about Caterpillar Kids, call 317-528-2092 or 800-390-9915.
