Kids/Teens are saying...

• I learned to talk about my feelings. I love the group. -- Zion, age 7
• I learned about feeling.  It is okay to share feelings. – Jarreon, age 8
• It’s okay to talk about death.  [There are] other people just like me (that had someone to die).  The group is a wonderful thing for kids to be in. What I like most about is that it help me talk about my family who I lost.  I learn that every does grieve at some point of time when they lose someone they love. – 15 year old
• I learned that there are other teens out there with the same problem so I don’t have to feel alone. – 15 year old
• I learned what grief is, the different feelings of grief and everything else. – 12 year old
• I liked the activities and meeting new people.  I learned that it is okay to go through grief.  The group leaders are funny. – 11 year old
• I liked the fact that everybody came together with each other and understood each other’s feelings.  I learned that I am not alone. – Tia’Kisha, age 16
• I enjoyed the arts in the group.  I also learned that there are different ways to deal with your feelings. – Trey, age 13
• I liked being able to be creative and I learned how to cope with my feelings. – Regina, age 16
• I made new friends.  I learned that we all have different emotions. – Don’Angelo, age 12
• I liked that they care for what you are going through.  I learned a lot of things. – Corey, age 11
• I liked the coloring and anger activities.  I learned that you can take your anger out on other things other than a person. – George, age 14
• When I first got here I felt unsure about this because I was not feeling like I needed help with the deaths in my family.  The first time we came to group I didn't want to come back, but as I kept coming back I felt that I really needed help.  So I just want to say thank you for helping me. -- Markell, age 15

Parents/Caregivers are saying...

• I believe the group sessions were very good at allowing the kids to open up and discuss some of their pains and release the heart.
• It has been a lot easier for my children to talk about their dad without getting too emotional
• My children were taught how to deal with death and things they can do when they feel sad or lonely… it is a wonderful group for kids who have lost someone dear to them.
• I feel my teenager was able to express her feelings about her experiences which was beneficial because she hardly talked about her grandfather’s death before the sessions.  I would highly recommend this program to other families.  This program had a tremendous impact on my child.  She has learned to grieve which I think is very healthy for her.
• The groups taught her that it is okay to cry and to talk about it without being ashamed.
• My child learned that she doesn’t have to be mean to others when she is feeling bad about her loved ones.  She is able to discuss her loved one without being upset with everyone else.  She’s able to cry but not let it get the best of her.  Thank you all and it has been a blessing being able to allow my child to participate in something that was positive and that she enjoyed as well.
• My child understands now that death isn’t anyone’s fault.
• My child showed me the candle [that she made in group] and mentioned that she wanted to leave it at the grave as a rememberance of her grandfather.
• Participating in the group allowed her to see that there were other children her age faced with losing a loved one and that she was not alone.  Choosing to send her to the Rainbow Center was the best decision.
• Even though this program was for my daughter, meeting the parents of the other children that attended the center and being able to talk to them about my loss helped me too.
• My child's attitude about the ordeal [of grief] is better.
• After the support group we talk about it on the way home.  My child opens up to me about everything she was feeling.  She had a good time just being around other children and made new friends.
• My child was able to share after each session.  He showed me drawings and artwork and has been able to understand how to handle his feelings and know that the feelings he has are normal.
• Slowly (of their own accord), [my children] began to tell me of some of their activities in the groups.  My son told me abut hitting the boxing bag and my daughter talked with me about her memory box.  My son is not so angry anymore.  He has found more positive ways to channel his grief.  My daughter doesn’t wet the bed anymore.
• My child seems to be more sociable at school with students and teachers. 
• My child mentioned the different activities.  His favorite was writing a letter.  This center has helped him understand death better.  It has also taught him to be thankful for the good memories he shared.  Thanks for all of the help!

What kids have to say to others facing grief and thinking of joining a grief support group --

• When I came to this group I didn’t cry about nothing but the group is very helpful.  Just be open and talk it out, because I know how it feels, okay? 
• Stay cool and keep your head up.
• You’ll learn a lot!
• This group is helpful.
• It’ll be fun!
• You will have a good time.
• You will enjoy!
• The group will be fun; just give it a try.
• Don't be scared.