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.
