April 8–May 9
People of all ages are impacted when a loved one dies. Children and teens are sometimes the “forgotten mourners” during these times and other life changes within a family. Jewish Family Service counseling staff, through the Dozoretz Center for Healing and Jessica Glasser Therapeutic Pavilion, specializes in helping individuals of all ages cope with loss and grieving. One component of this program is Peace by Piece, a free support group for children, teens, and their families who have experienced the death of a loved one. Peace by Piece is operated by Edmarc Hospice for Children in collaboration with JFS.
JFS and Edmarc co-sponsor an annual art show—now in its 10th year—that displays the creative drawings and poetry of local grieving children and teens.
This show is open to any school-aged youth in Tidewater who has experienced the death of a loved one. Hundreds of pictures have been submitted over the years and it is an opportunity for children and teens to share their feelings with others and to see that they are not alone.
After the Grieving Children’s Art Show at the Leon Family Art Gallery at the Simon Family JCC, the works will be on display for one night only at Peace by Piece on May 22. After May 22, the pictures will return to either JFS or Edmarc for display.
Jewish Family Service is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.