Eight-week grief support probgam begins

More than one million children will lose a parent before age 15. Whether resulting from the death of a parent or other loved one, unresolved grief can show up later in life as negative anti-social behaviors.

To held address childhood bereavement, Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice announced the spring schedule for Herbie's Friends, a grief support group for children, teens and their families.

This eight-week program meets once a week and allows families to enjoy a meal together before meeting in age-appropriate groups.

Children and teens ages 4 to 18 are given a safe environment to share their thoughts, feelings and stories through art, drama, journaling and music while parents and caregivers meet separately.

This fall, Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice will host the program from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Tuesday to May 6, at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 Highland Ave., Elgin.

Led by Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice and Provena Hospice, Herbie's Friends is available to the community for free, although registration is required. For details or to register, call Dawn Zappitelli at (630) 232-2233, ext. 225.