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Healing has to start somewhere... Illness and death are a part
of life, and so is the grief process that allows one to move toward
hope, healing, and renewal. But for a child who has lost a loved one,
the road can be filled with a silent pain that others may forget. Commonly
called "silent grievers," children deal with the loss of a
loved one in a unique way, and their path toward healing is different
than adults. For the children of East Central Florida, there is now
a program lighting the way towards healing — BRIGHT STAR, a special
place for grieving children.
Under the watchful eye of caring individuals... BRIGHT
STAR provides a safe and supportive environment where children,
teens, and their families grieving the death of a loved one can
share their experience. At BRIGHT STAR, we believe:
- Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one for children
as well as adults.
- Within each individual is the natural capacity to heal.
- The duration and intensity of grief are unique for each person.
- Caring and acceptance assist in the healing process.
And we have such a place... BRIGHT STAR is a specialized community
resource for grief and loss. As a collaborative effort of Hospice
of Health First and the New Hope Center for Grieving Children
in Maitland, BRIGHT STAR encourages the expression of grief experiences
verbally, and through creative, positive play within a peer group
setting. Groups are open to grieving children ages 3 to 18. Services
are provided through Hospice of Health First's family of programs,
including Grieving Children Services, Bright Star workshops, Camp
BRIGHT STAR, and New Hope's Children's Wish Foundation. Programs
are modeled after the internationally recognized Dougy Center
of Portland, Oregon.
Filled with love and compassion… Located at 300 E. New
Haven Ave. in Melbourne, our core staff of professionals facilitates
children's groups. They each have advanced degrees in counseling and
social work, as well as prior experience in dealing with bereavement.
Children don't have to grieve in silence with Bright Star lighting the
way.
We need your help... Volunteers provide the energy that keeps
BRIGHT STAR shining brightly. After completing extensive training, they
help facilitate groups under the direction of our core staff, make families
feel at home, and generally support BRIGHT STAR's mission. Volunteers
come from all walks of life and contribute a few hours a month on a
regular schedule to help our program's children and families. Through
internships and practicums, college students serve in a variety of ways
to fulfill learning requirements of their schools.
To turn on the light... Unlike most social service organizations,
BRIGHT STAR receives no support from federal, state, or local governments,
insurance reimbursement, or third-party payments. Families contribute
as they are able, but no child is ever turned away. The support of individuals,
local businesses, organizations, foundations, and corporations allow
us to turn the light on in a child's life. Consider sponsoring a child
through a tax-deductible scholarship, or supporting BRIGHT STAR through
a memorial, will or bequest, or an honorary gift.
So we can help others... Identifying grief in a child is difficult.
If your child has experienced the loss of a loved one, take the following
survey:
Since the death of a loved one,
- Has your child had difficulty going to sleep at night, had nightmares
or "bad dreams," or seemed to need more sleep (12 hours
or more)?
- Has your child had noticeable behavior changes including being withdrawn,
becoming more aggressive, or acting out?
- Has school performance dropped significantly, or does your child
seem to lack interest in after-school activities enjoyed previously?
- Has your child's eating habits changed, either having no appetite
or eating "everything in sight"?
- Is there a concurrent life crisis/change in the family including
a recent move, change in school, or with whom the child lives?
If you answered "yes" to any one of these questions, your
child could benefit from attending BRIGHT STAR.
For further information about Bright Star or its programs, volunteering,
or providing financial support, contact us at:
300 E. New Haven Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: 321-733-7672
Fax: 321-952-0382
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