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The History of The Rainbow Center for Children and Adolescents
By Vicky Fox, Founder/Executive Director
The Rainbow Center for Children and Adolescents (TRCCA) began September 24, 2005; inspired from a personal loss. My vision began May 2, 2003, the day my brother-in-law was laid to rest. At that moment, I realized there were not resources readily available for “grief counseling”, "grief awareness" and “grief support services” to grieving children. This aspiration was to provide grief counseling and grief support to children and adolescents who have lost a parent due to death. My dream “to promote healing and growth through grief” later became the Mission:
“To provide at no charge or low cost grief counseling and grief support groups, dedicated to teaching children and adolescents how to cope with the loss of a parent and find peace within".
I visualized that if grief resources were readily available, then children and adolescents such as my nephews and nieces would have an opportunity to take advantage of such needed services. Families, such as my family were not aware of any grief resources, grief counseling or support in the community.
That sad day, May 2, 2003 the day of my brother-in-law's funeral; I made a personal vow to make a difference in the lives of grieving children through grief counseling and grief support. My goal was to study grief and bereavement; in which I received certifications in Grief Counseling and Thanatology (the study of death and dying). My next step was to find a location to provide grief support and grief counseling. I was successful in my goals and as a result, The Rainbow Center for Children and Adolescents (TRCCA) was founded.
TRCCA is centrally located at 1325 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. TRCCA is very special to me because it is the visual fruition of my mission. TRCCA programs are uniquely designed and sensitive to the grief experienced by children. We also provide a safe place for children to remember and value the relationship of the deceased loved one.
Through the generosity of our donors, we offer our children a caring environment to explore their grief concerns and issues. Because we understand this is a turning point in children’s lives, we provide grief counseling, grief support groups, art therapy, and poetry therapy, with the expectation of a grief camp in the near future. Our service is no-charge or low cost depending on the family's financial status. Our grief support groups consist of a 10-week program, and are held three times annually.
For further information or assistant with our services, please feel free to contact Melody Green, Program Assistant, at 901-755-1856 to make an appointment, or visit our website at www.therainbowcenter.net.
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