Highmark Caring Place Helps Children Cope Without Mom on Mother's Day

PITTSBURGH, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9, and for children experiencing this holiday after their mom's death, the day may be especially hard. When a child's mother dies, things are never the same for the child and every day can be difficult. Whether it's the first holiday without her or many years later, occasions that normally would be a celebration become reminders of mom's absence. This Mother's Day — and any time of year — grieving families can find support at the Highmark Caring Place, A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families. It is there that children and adults receive encouragement and support from others who have also experienced a death, and discover that they are not alone in their grief.

"Many people want to reach out to a grieving child or family after a death, but don't know how to help," said Caring Place Director Terese Vorsheck. " 'What do I say to the children?' is a question we hear frequently from parents about their own children, from school staff who are caring for a grieving child in the classroom, from mental health, social service, medical personnel, and from concerned friends and family who are trying to help a family in the midst of their grief."

Through its Web site, the Caring Place provides a variety of helpful tips about how to help those who are grieving the death of a loved one.

A signature partner of Highmark Healthy High 5, an initiative of the Highmark Foundation, the Caring Place is supported by community contributions. The children and families are also supported by trained volunteers from the community.

The Caring Place also provides adult telephone support, and educational programs and resources for grieving children and families. In addition, consultation services, as well as educational presentations and resources, are available for schools and other professionals in the community who work with children.

The Caring Place offers peer support groups and referral services, at no charge, for grieving children and their families through a variety of online resources and at four locations across Pennsylvania.  For more information, visit www.highmarkcaringplace.com online or call 1-888-224-HOPE (4673).

SOURCE Highmark Caring Place