School Programs
Since 2009 Rick’s Place has been partnering with area public schools to provide free peer bereavement support to students from elementary through high school since not all students are able to attend our on-site peer support groups. Our eight-week school program does not have an adult caregiver component, but like our on-site programming, we offer grieving children opportunity to explore and express their grief through a variety of outlets.
Research has shown that unexamined grief in children can lead to many negative outcomes including: poor school performance, truancy, behavioral problems, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, addiction issues, and an increased risk of suicide. As with our on-site programming, in our school peer support groups, we create safe environments in which students can express their grief, thus significantly reducing the possibility of negative outcomes from unaddressed grief.
Rick’s Place provides the trained staff, curriculum and materials while school personnel select students and secure private meeting spaces. School groups consist of at least six students, and no more than twelve. Rick’s Place also provides professional development workshops to school staff.
No Charge for Services
There is no charge for our services. We rely on the generosity of individuals, the community and foundations through gifts, grants and special events.
