Thunderbirds Charities Supports Child Grief Program With $15,000 Grant

Hospice of the Valley has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities for the New Song Center for Grieving Children.

The grant supports the Enduring Ties program, which serves children ages 4 or older who have experienced the death of a sibling, regardless of cause of death or whether the child received hospice care. Parents and guardians of children also participate in a support group that meets separately from the children and teens, who are divided into age-appropriate groups. It is the first program of its kind in Maricopa County. There is no cost to enroll.

“Hospice of the Valley and their New Song Center serve such an important role here in the Valley,” said Thunderbirds Big Chief Tom King. “And while we hope no child ever loses a sibling, sadly we know it’s an unavoidable reality. The work the Enduring Ties program accomplishes in the healing process is tremendous and something we’re proud to support.”

The death of a child turns a family’s life upside down. Sibling survivors are at high risk for complicated grief, which if left unresolved can lead to emotional and behavioral problems as an adult. Parents are often struggling to cope with their own grief and unable to provide their children the support they need. Depression, divorce, substance abuse and child neglect may occur.

New Song Center provides these families with caring support from staff and experienced volunteers who have completed specialized training. Children engage in age-appropriate physical and creative activities to express their emotions. Adults and children learn about how grief impacts their lives and how to cope with the challenges. Participants share experiences and feel less alone knowing others have experienced losses like theirs.

About New Song Center
New Song Center is a program of Hospice of the Valley, a not-for-profit organization established in 1977 that provides end-of-life care in Maricopa and northern Pinal counties. For more information about New Song Center, call 480-951-8985.