Art kit, book available for grieving children

PHOTO: The book “Ocean Meets Sky,” by brothers Terry and Eric Fan, is avaible as part of an art kit for grieving children.

WATERVILLE — Most children and teens will experience the death of a parent, close family member or friend before they reach the age of eighteen. Children’s Grief Awareness Month, which is November, helps to recognize and understand the impact of death on children and their need for support.
To help support the children in the Waterville area, Waterville Creates along with Family violence project, Colby College Museum of Art, KVCAP,and the Waterville Public Library have organized an art kit, “The Memories We Carry,” which includes the book “Ocean Meets Sky,” by brothers Terry and Eric Fan. The book and art activity encourage children to remember, honor and celebrate their loved ones that have died.
Art kits are available through Hope’s Place for grieving children, a program of Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area. Hope’s Place provides a safe, supportive environment for grieving children, teens and families through peer support groups, which nurture and encourage safe expression of grief and loss.
To receive an art kit or learn more about Hope’s Place and ways to support grieving children, contact Jillian Roy, bereavement coordinator, at 207-873-3615 or by emailing jroy@hvwa.org.