ANN ARBOR – Arbor Hospice was recently awarded a $2,500 community grant from the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation. The funds will support Camp Good Grief, a free grief support program designed for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
“Studies have shown that after losing a significant loved one, 85% of children will exhibit symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts, depression, drug abuse, and suicidal tendencies. If grief is not addressed and processed in a healthy manner, these symptoms can continue into adulthood with disastrous consequences,” said Roxanne Kiesling, philanthropy manager at Arbor Hospice. “We are so appreciative of the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation. Thanks to the funds they raised through their thrift store, local children will have access to professional support during one of life’s most challenging times.”
Camp Good Grief is a one-day camp held at YMCA Camp Ohiyesa, located in Holly, Michigan, that provides grief support, emotional comfort, and enjoyable activities for children. Though this free event, the not-for-profit offers grief support from the child’s perspective, in an environment filled with age-appropriate activities, and under the guidance of qualified grief professionals and trained volunteers from Arbor Hospice and partner organization, Hospice of Michigan.
The program includes a variety of recreational activities, such as arts & crafts, music therapy, pet therapy and camp related team-building games, that are designed to provide fun and adventure for the participants. Campers will have the opportunity to express their emotions, remember their loved ones and establish lasting friendships.
Camp Good Grief will return in summer 2024. For more information, visit arborhospice.org.
About Arbor Hospice
Arbor Hospice, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, provides quality, compassionate care for those experiencing life-limiting illnesses throughout Washtenaw County and surrounding communities. A founding member of the NorthStar Care Community, Arbor offers certified community-based hospice services and palliative care through NorthStar Palliative Care, as well as grief support services and community education programs. Through other NorthStar Care Community members, Arbor also provides pediatric hospice care and compassionate support services through Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through the NorthStar Institute. The NorthStar Care Community also includes Hospice of Michigan. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 6,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information, visit www.arborhospice.org or call 888-992-2273.
