The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas is here for children and their families.
SAN ANTONIO — As an adult grieving the loss of a loved one isn’t easy, and for a child the process can be even more difficult. But one organization in San Antonio says they’re here to help children and families.
“For many in our community right now, they’re facing ambiguous loss. And what’s really important when we’re working with children and adults that are facing that, is that they understand that right now it’s going to be a lot of emotions, and it’s going to be a lot of feelings,” said Catie White who is the Chief Development Officer of the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas.
She says when it comes to the Hill Country floods, and the lost of a friend, sibling, or parent, teaching a child about death is about helping them understand they won’t be coming back.
“The closer we can get to helping them develop coping skills that will build into resiliency, that will last for the rest of their lives,” White added.
From the moment families enter the center they’re greeted with warmth including butterflies, daisies and lizards right at kids’ height along “The Peaceful Pathway.”
“The goal is that as you’re walking along, this is your introductory process to understanding that we’re here. And this is a place where they can process all of their grief and loss in a peaceful and helpful way,” White said.
At the center every child gets a teddy bear which may replace one that they have lost, but also to give them a sense of comfort to help them process their grief.
On Monday night from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., the center is holding “Monday Night Healing Circles” for families that have experienced loss due to this devastating tragedy.
“This won’t be something that’s done within a week. This is something that is going to have to be part of our ongoing healing journey as a community,” White said.